Lamine Yamal, Militao, and Cuti Romero: Key Players in Doubt Who Are Racing Against Time Toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 World Cup arrives with uncertainty: stars like Yamal, Militao, and Romero are battling injuries to be present.

World Cup with many injuries

Other stars still hold some hope of making it, although their injuries cast doubt and they could miss part of the tournament. Uncertainty prevails in several teams that dream of having their stars

Brazil is keeping an eye on Militao and Estevão

Éder Militao, 28 years old, suffers from a left hamstring injury. The medical report states "pending evolution," with no clear return date. His presence will depend on the evaluation of the doctors in Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti.

Estevão, the 19-year-old Chelsea forward, injured his hamstrings against Manchester United. Although he was initially ruled out, the tests indicate that he could make it, although he would miss the first matches. In Brazil, they maintain hope of having him.

Francia sin la posibilidad de Mendy

El defensa del Real Madrid sufrió una lesión muscular en el tendón del recto femoral de la pierna derecha que le dejaría 5 meses fuera de la acción, tras una posible cirugía para tratarle y ante la posibilidad de ser convocado, quedan totalmente nulas sus oportunidades.

Spain with Yamal and doubts in midfield

Lamine Yamal, 18 years old, suffered a left hamstring injury against Celta. A recovery time of between a month and a half and two months is estimated. It could arrive just in time for the debut against Cape Verde on June 15.

Luis de la Fuente is also waiting for Iker Merino (Arsenal), who underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot, and Fabián Ruiz (PSG), who has a fracture in his left kneecap. Both have an uncertain prognosis.

Argentina and the mystery of Cuti Romero

Cristian "Cuti" Romero, 27 years old, injured the collateral ligament of his right knee in April. He could make it, but he would be practically ruled out to accompany Messi at the start of the tournament.

Croatia and Luka Modric

In the match against Juventus, the veteran Croatian midfielder suffered a strong blow to the face, fracturing his cheekbone. Although the surgical operation the player underwent after the match was described as a complete success, his possible quick recovery and participation in the 2026 World Cup are still in doubt

Germany with Ter Stegen in doubt

Aunque las posibilidades son “muy escasas”, Nagelsmann todavía no cierra la puerta a Ter Stegen. El arquero de 33 años sufre una grave lesión en el isquiotibial, pero la decisión final dependerá de su evolución en las próximas semanas.

Expectations and pressure

The list of players at risk reflects the tension generated by the schedule. The coaches are waiting for the progress of their stars, while the fans dream of seeing them in action. The 2026 World Cup promises to be historic, but the uncertainty about the presence of so many stars leaves a bittersweet taste.

Other players who are missing the World Cup or are still doubts:

* Kylian Mbappé / France (expected to return by the end of the club season)

* Hugo Ekitike / France (excluded from the World Cup)

* Xavi Simons / Netherlands (excluded from the World Cup)

* Mohamed Salah / Egypt (awaiting medical verdict)

* Rodrygo / Brazil (excluded from the World Cup)

* Arda Güler / Turkey (expected to return for the World Cup)

* Serge Gnabry / Germany (excluded from the World Cup)

* Raphinha / Brazil (expected to return by the end of the club season)

* Bukayo Saka / England (expected to return by the end of the club season)

* Kai Havertz / Germany (awaiting medical verdict)

* Eberechi Eze / England (awaiting medical verdict)