Major Football Stars Who Could Miss World Cup 2026

Why World Cup 2026 could look very different

Every four years, the World Cup resets things. Old heroes give way to new ones. But the FIFA World Cup 2026 feels different. This summer’s tournament across the USA, Canada and Mexico lands right at a crossroads. The greatest generation of FIFA World Cup players is running out of road. And a brutal stretch of injuries has already knocked out several names you’d expect to see on the pitch. Their absence might lead to dramatic changes in World Cup teams 2026 results. That could force betting sites to promptly adjust their odds and predictions.

The WC 2026 features 48 teams for the first time. Bigger rosters, more matches, more drama… But also more chances for unexpected outcomes.

Is Messi playing in the World Cup 2026?

Nobody knows for sure. Not even Messi himself.

Lionel turns 39 during the tournament. He was Argentina’s top scorer in qualifying with eight goals in 12 matches. Scaloni included him in the 55-man preliminary squad on May 11. But Messi still hasn’t officially confirmed he’ll play.

In September 2025, Lionel suggested that a World Cup call-up was unlikely because of his age. Two months later, his outlook changed. He said he was highly motivated for the 2026 World Cup. He also added that he wanted to arrive there in top condition.

Prediction markets price him at roughly 92%. But anyone who’s followed the Messi World Cup saga knows – nothing is final until kickoff.

Will Ronaldo play 2026 World Cup?

Almost certainly yes. At 41, Ronaldo is chasing one last shot at the only major trophy he’s never won. He has 143 goals for Portugal in 226 caps. He’s scored 24 league goals for Al Nassr this season. The man does not stop.

A hamstring knock kept him out of Portugal’s March friendlies. Coach Roberto Martinez calmed the noise quickly. “No, he’s not in danger,” Martinez told reporters. “It’s a minor muscle injury.” Cristiano will lead Portugal in Group K against DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. It’ll be the sixth Ronaldo World Cup adventure, almost certainly his last.

Can Portugal actually win the thing with a 41-year-old up front, though? Behind Ronaldo they’ve got Leão, Conceição, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves – no shortage of talent. What hangs over this squad emotionally is the loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July 2025. Portugal go into their first major tournament without him.

Bleacher Report pointed out that Ronaldo has scored 13 times in his last 14 matches. It’s hard to argue with that. But he’ll be 41 by kick-off. No one can stop the passage of time forever.

Could Neymar miss the World Cup 2026?

Will Neymar play 2026 World Cup? Well, honestly, this could go either way. Neymar is 34. He hasn’t pulled on a Brazil shirt since that ACL and meniscus tear against Uruguay back in October 2023. He went back to Santos after his time at Al Hilal ended in early 2025. He looked okay. His achievements include six goals, three assists in 13 matches. Not terrible. But compared to peak Neymar, it’s a different player.

Casemiro said publicly that Brazil should take him. Then he quickly added: only if his body can handle it. That caveat tells you everything.

Ancelotti did include him in the preliminary 55-man squad. Then Fox Sports reported he skipped Santos training in late April because of some virus. It’s always something lately.

Problem is, the queue ahead of him keeps growing. Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Savinho, Luiz Henrique – all younger, all fitter. Ancelotti has said only players who are physically ready get picked. The 26-man squad comes out May 18. Brazil’s record scorer (79 international goals) might end up watching the World Cup on TV.

Other major football stars at risk of missing WC 2026

The injury list is ugly.

1. Rodrygo (Brazil, Real Madrid) went down with a torn ACL and meniscus in March. He won’t play until late 2026 at the earliest. “One of the worst days of my life,” he wrote on Instagram.
2. Xavi Simons (Netherlands, Tottenham) did his ACL on April 25 and is done for the year.
3. Hugo Ekitike (France, Liverpool) ruptured his Achilles during a Champions League clash with PSG, ending a 17-goal debut season. ESPN’s injury tracker features the complete picture.
4. And Estêvão (Brazil, Chelsea), just 18, didn’t make Brazil’s preliminary squad because of a bad hamstring.
5. Then there’s Kylian Mbappé. France’s captain picked up a hamstring strain against Betis on April 25. Real Madrid confirmed damage to his semitendinosus muscle. Not long-term, they say. But with the WC weeks away, France is holding its breath.

Teams most affected by potential absences

Brazil have been hit hardest. Rodrygo injury is disappointing. Estêvão and Éder Militão also have traumas. Neymar‘s fitness is still in question – strips depth from attack and defence alike. The Brazil national football team haven’t lifted the trophy since 2002. Their qualifying campaign was shaky too: just eight wins from 18 matches. Ancelotti took over hoping to restore the Samba magic. So far, the football gods aren’t cooperating.

The England national football team face different problems. Thomas Tuchel has been blunt. After Japan beat England 1-0 in the April friendly, he said: “In the absence of Harry Kane, we don’t have the same threat”. Grealish is out. Branthwaite is out. Foden’s form has dipped. Alexander-Arnold hasn’t had a cap in a year. Tuchel names his squad May 22.

For fans keeping tabs on which 2026 World Cup teams look strongest, and how club form translates into international call-ups, the Premier League Leaders table gives useful context. Who boards the plane and who stays home will be decided by fitness levels heading into June.

France are already without Ekitike and might have to make do with a half-fit Mbappé. The Netherlands lost Simons, who was supposed to be key. And Italy (four-time winners) aren’t even at the tournament. They lost to Bosnia on penalties in the play-offs. Subsequently, they’ve missed three World Cups in a row. Donnarumma, their captain, posted that he “cried because of enormous sadness.”

How national team rebuilding impacts World Cup squads

Argentina are building beyond Messi. Álvarez and Enzo Fernández carry more weight now. Lautaro Martínez has had a strong season at Inter. The Qatar squad was brilliant but Messi-dependent. That’s changing.

Portugal have João Neves and Vitinha at the core – a pairing that moves the ball faster than anything Ronaldo has had around him. Brazil’s engine room runs through Bruno Guimarães. The old guard has been eased out.

With 48 teams and extra matches, carrying passengers isn’t an option. Coaches who mix experience with younger energy will have an edge.

Which World Cup teams 2026 could benefit most?

Spanish guys look strong despite the Lamine Yamal scare. The 18-year-old tore his hamstring on April 22 scoring a penalty against Celta Vigo. But he’s already back on grass in training. Coach De la Fuente told Sport:

“God willing, he will arrive at the World Cup as well as possible.”

Germany players have rebuilt well. Gnabry’s out with an adductor injury, though. France remain dangerous, if Mbappé recovers. Argentina, even without a fully fit Messi, have the depth to defend.

How injuries and schedules affect World Cup participation

This season has been relentless. Expanded Champions League. Club World Cup. Domestic leagues. Qualifiers. Some clubs played 60+ competitive matches before May.

A hamstring tear in late April gives you roughly six weeks to be match-ready. That’s tight. No margin for setbacks. ACL tears, hamstring ruptures and Achilles injuries kept hitting star after star through April and May. Tottenham alone lost three key players in weeks. That’s not bad luck – that’s overload.

Could World Cup 2026 be the first without Messi or Ronaldo?

Messi has been at every World Cup since 2006. Ronaldo too. Between them – over 400 caps and more goals than you can count. We’ve never had a major tournament without at least one of them since Germany 2006.

Most likely? Both show up. Ronaldo is practically guaranteed. Messi – probably. If one of them pulls out, it’ll feel like the end of something.

What these possible absences mean for the World Cup final 2026

Lamine Yamal is 18. Jude Bellingham is 22. Florian Wirtz is 23. These are the guys who’ll run this tournament. A World Cup without Messi would be strange commercially – shirt sales, broadcast deals, social media buzz, it all takes a hit.

But for football itself? It might actually be refreshing. The 2026 World Cup final could end up being a match between players that half the planet is only just learning about.

Conclusion

So where do things stand? Messi will probably be there, but he hasn’t said yes yet. Ronaldo is almost certainly going. Neymar – your guess is as good as mine. Rodrygo, Xavi Simons and Ekitike are definitely out. Yamal and Mbappé are racing the clock. And Donnarumma won’t play because Italy somehow failed to qualify again.

The biggest World Cup predictions headache belongs to Brazil. They’ve lost more star power to injury than anyone. England’s squad depth is under scrutiny.

Watch the squad announcements in late May. That’s when the real picture forms.

FAQ about World Cup 2026 stars

Will Messi play at the 2026 World Cup?

He’s in Argentina’s 55-man preliminary squad. Markets price him at around 92%. But he hasn’t formally committed. His call.

Is Ronaldo going to the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. His March hamstring issue is healed. Martinez confirmed he’s fit. Sixth and final World Cup.

What are the odds of Argentina winning?

Around +800 as of mid-May 2026. Could rise if Messi’s left out.

Which major stars are confirmed out?

Rodrygo (ACL), Xavi Simons (ACL), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Éder Militão (hamstring surgery), Estêvão (hamstring), Gnabry (adductor), Grealish (foot).