With the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicking off on 11 June, international managers across the globe are bracing for difficult squad decisions as a string of high-profile injury setbacks threatens to reshape the tournament's landscape.

From torn ligaments to fractured bones, the casualty list is growing — and several names will be familiar to African football fans tracking the fortunes of their continental stars.

Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur and Ghana)

Ghana's most dangerous creative force remains in a precarious position ahead of the tournament. Kudus has been sidelined for more than three months after limping off during Tottenham Hotspur's 1-1 draw with Sunderland on 4 January. A quad injury now awaits further assessment, with surgery a possibility. If his recovery runs long, the Black Stars stand to lose their most influential attacking threat at the worst conceivable moment.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain)

Spain's teenage sensation picked up a hamstring injury while scoring for Barcelona against Celta Vigo, sending a ripple of anxiety through the Spanish camp. Barcelona, however, expect him to be fit in time for the tournament, offering some reassurance.

Marc Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona and Germany)

Germany's first-choice goalkeeper has been managing a long-term hamstring problem that has severely curtailed his preparations. His prospects of being available for Germany's opening fixtures in June are dimming, and his absence would represent a major blow to a squad that leans heavily on experience.

Rodrygo (Real Madrid and Brazil)

Brazil's tournament aspirations took a significant hit when Rodrygo tore his anterior cruciate ligament in March. The Real Madrid forward will play no part in the World Cup, robbing the five-time champions of one of their most electric attacking options.

Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina)

The 27-year-old Argentina defender is out for the remainder of the Premier League season after sustaining a knee injury during Tottenham's defeat at Sunderland in April, where he was visibly distressed as he left the pitch. There is cautious optimism he will recover in time, though limited match sharpness remains a concern. Romero's combativeness and leadership are central to how Argentina defend.

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool and France)

Ekitike's World Cup dream is over. The France striker ruptured his Achilles tendon in April and is not expected to return to football until 2027. The Liverpool forward, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt last July, had been one of the club's standout performers this season with 17 goals and 6 assists across all competitions.

Eder Militao (Real Madrid and Brazil)

A hamstring tear has ended Militao's club season prematurely. The 28-year-old centre-back is targeting a return to fitness for the World Cup, but Brazil's medical staff are proceeding carefully given his recent history of muscle problems.

Reece James (Chelsea and England)

England's injury-plagued right-back is again nursing hamstring trouble after sustaining damage in a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle in March. Having missed the last two major tournaments, the 26-year-old's World Cup participation hinges entirely on a clean recovery with no further setbacks.

Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich and Canada)

The host nation's standout talent is once more battling recurring muscle problems at Bayern Munich. Davies's searing pace is the foundation of Canada's attacking threat, making his fitness status a critical concern as the country prepares to compete on home soil.

Mikel Merino (Arsenal and Spain)

A fractured foot sustained in February has kept the Arsenal midfielder on the sidelines for months. Spain's medical staff are wary of rushing him back, placing his tournament involvement in doubt.

Wataru Endo (Liverpool and Japan)

Japan's captain has faced a double setback to his knee and ankle since undergoing surgery following a February match against Sunderland. Endo is set to miss the rest of Liverpool's season, and his absence from Japan's midfield would represent a significant loss of leadership and experience.

Arda Guler (Real Madrid and Turkey)

A hamstring injury has curtailed Guler's domestic campaign. He may recover before the tournament begins, but limited match minutes between now and June cast doubt on whether he will be sharp enough to contribute at the highest level.

Estevao Willian (Chelsea and Brazil)

The Chelsea teenager is recovering from a hamstring tear that has ended his club season. Brazil remain hopeful, but his lack of recent football means his selection will depend entirely on the progress he makes in the weeks ahead.