World Cup stories: The big-name casualties who'll miss this year's tournament through injury

The World Cup is now 45 days away, with some of the best players heading to the USA, Mexico and Canada for what is the biggest World Cup of all time. 

As the domestic season draws to a close, places on the plane become even more important, but there are those who, unfortunately, have already been ruled out of competing on football's grandest stage. 

DAZN News looks at the big names who we won't get to see this summer after injury scupped their World Cup dreams. 

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Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

Tottenham's season of woe continues, as despite finally winning a game on Saturday against Wolves, they have now lost one of their key men for the remainder of the season in Simons. 

However, the news is worse for the Dutchman, because not only will he miss the chance to try to steer Spurs to survival, but he's been ruled out of the tournament, too. 

Having starred for the Dutch at the Euros in 2024, including scoring against England in the semi-final, the forward could now be sidelined until the winter with a knee injury. 

Hugo Ekitike (France) Getty Images

Of all Liverpool's summer signings, Hugo Ekitike has easily been the biggest success story after scoring 17 goals in his debut season for the Reds. 

His performances put him at the front of the line to start for France at the World Cup this summer, but his summer was ruined after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in Liverpool's Champions League clash against PSG. 

Even with the embarrassment of riches that France has in their squad, boss Didier Deschamps called it a 'huge blow' with the forward earmarked for a big role in his tournament plans. 

Rodrygo (Brazil) 

Brazil's frontline was blunted in March with the news that they will be without the Real Madrid forward for their World Cup bid this summer. 

The 25-year-old suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right leg during a clash against Getafe and called the moment he found out 'the worst moment of his life.' 

He played five times for his country four years ago in Qatar, but he'll play no part in the festivities across North America. 

Getty Images

Serge Gnabry (Germany)

The former Arsenal man has been a regular member of Germany's national side, but won't play any part in the World Cup in 2026. 

Gnabry suffered a torn adductor muscle in his right thigh during a routine training session for Bayern Munich, leaving him heartbroken to miss the tournament. 

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said it was 'bitter news' on hearing of the midfielder's incident, and he'll be a big loss for the German side. 

Samu Aghehowa (Spain) 

Spain were hoping to unleash their latest weapon on the World Cup in the Porto forward, but his season came to an abrupt end back in February.

Having scored 13 goals for the Portuguese side, Aghehowa was set for a first major tournament but suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a game against Sporting. 

The 21-year-old has plenty of time on his side, but it's a disappointing blow to the player and the national team, who could have had a breakout tournament. 

@FCPorto

Patrick Agyemang (USA) 

2026 is a big moment for the USA as they co-host a tournament they've only previously hosted once before in 1994, but sadly, Agyemang won't be a part of it. 

The striker, who has 14 caps for the national team, suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury earlier this month during Derby's win over Stoke City. 

The 25-year-old was hoping to add to the six goals he has already scored for his country, but he'll now have to wait to add to that total and watch on from home this summer.

 

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