World Cup heartbreak: Ekitike joins big names set to miss 2026 tournament through injury

World Cup heartbreak: Ekitike joins big names set to miss 2026 tournament through injury

Hugo Ekitike is set to miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering an Achilles injury this week. The forward was stretchered from the pitch during Liverpool's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and is expected to face several months on the sidelines.

It marks a major disappointment for Ekitike, who has broken into the France set-up in recent months. The 23-year-old has scored twice in eight caps since his debut in September.

Ekitike is not the only player set to watch with frustration from the sidelines this summer.

Top players set to miss the 2026 World Cup through injury

Rodrygo

Rodrygo called his ACL injury 'one of the worst days of my life' after the knee issue curtailed his campaign and World Cup hopes this month. A frustrating season for the Brazilian ended prematurely, after knee discomfort revealed an ACL issue.

The 25-year-old will play no part in Brazil's challenge this summer, as Carlo Ancelotti's side bid for a record-extending sixth world title.

"One of the worst days of my life, how much I always feared this injury,"Rodrygo wrote in a social media post.

"Maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately. I don't know if I deserve this, but what can I complain about? How many wonderful things I've experienced that I didn't deserve either.

"A major obstacle has arisen in my life, in my career, which prevents me from doing what I love most for a certain period of time.

"I'm out of the rest of the season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream that everyone knows how much it means to me. And all I can do is be strong as always; this is nothing new.

"Even though it's a very difficult time, I promise not to stop here. I believe I still have many incredible things to experience and bring joy to everyone who trusts me."

Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike's World Cup dream appears over after he left the Anfield pitch on a stretcher on Tuesday night. Reports from France have suggested the forward faces a nine-month absence with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

It's a big blow for Ekitike, whose impressive debut season has elevated him into the France side. He has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and was the frontrunner to be Le Bleus number nine in the summer, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

Samu Aghehowa

Though not yet a regular, Samu Aghehowa's season-ending injury rids Spain of a formidable option. The 21-year-old offers an out-and-out centre-forward presence otherwise lacking for La Roja and had scored 47 goals in 77 games for FC Porto before his issue.

An ACL injury will keep Aghehowa out until the end of 2026 at the very least.

Takumi Minamino

Japan are considered dark horses at this summer's tournament, having claimed wins over Brazil and England in recent months. Japan are unbeaten against European teams in six matches since 2019, offering encouragement for the World Cup.

However, the Samurai Blue will be without the experience Takumi Minamino, who tore his ACL in December. The Monaco midfielder has 26 goals for the national team and will be a big miss.