​One of the World Cup 2026 injury sagas has seemingly reached a hopeful conclusion, as Neymar returned for Brazil in their final group game against Scotland. After being sidelined with a calf injury just three weeks before the tournament, the 34-year-old came off the bench for a tearful cameo as Brazil topped Group C, suggesting he could play a larger role in the knockout rounds.
Yet many nations remain anxious about star players. England have been without Reece James for their last two matches, while Declan Rice’s fitness has been under assessment after he came off with back pain against DR Congo. Spain have also been hit by injuries to key wingers Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino during their third group game against Uruguay. Here is a full list of notable injuries at this year’s World Cup.
Reece James (England) has missed England’s last two games, sitting out the group finale against Panama and watching as England narrowly avoided a humbling exit in the last-32 against DR Congo. His absence has left England’s right side more vulnerable amid an ongoing injury crisis. Manager Thomas Tuchel is hopeful he will be “available very soon,” but James did miss England’s first training session after the Congo win.
Declan Rice (England) has been dealing with nerve-related back pain throughout the tournament, being rested for the group finale against Panama before returning for the knockouts’ tense win over DR Congo. He was withdrawn in the second half of that match, and Tuchel stressed that it wasn’t a formal injury, though Rice was clearly uncomfortable.
Yeremy Pino (Spain) sustained a collarbone injury against Uruguay, prompting fears he might miss the rest of the World Cup. Spain later announced that X-ray results showed no fracture, only an acromioclavicular sprain, allowing Pino to rejoin the squad for the round of 32 win over Austria, though he did not come on as a substitute.
Nico Williams (Spain) has also been hit by injuries, with the winger suffering a groin problem in the win over Uruguay. Williams posted a heartfelt message on social media, saying, “Today is one of the worst days of my life,” explaining that he had been injured again amid a difficult year, adding that an incident from a fellow professional had fueled his frustration. He insisted the setback would not stop him.