​Now that eight teams remain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ajay Mitchell continues to stay connected to the international tournament. Belgium has earned a spot in the quarterfinals and is set to take on Spain on Friday, July 10, in a clash that will determine which nation advances to the final four. As a native of Belgium, Mitchell’s pride in his country’s progress is clear, and his perspective adds an extra layer of interest to the matchups unfolding on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have enjoyed a notable presence at the World Cup this summer, with several of their players choosing to support and attend the tournament. From rising talents like Jalen Williams to veteran guard Alex Caruso and rising prospect Jared McCain, Thunder fans have had ample opportunities to follow their players’ international adventures. The fact that the World Cup is being hosted across North America has made it particularly convenient for Thunder players and staff to travel to games, offer encouragement, and engage with fans in person during the summer break.
In anticipation of Belgium’s showdown with Spain, Mitchell joined SportsCenter for a preview segment, offering insights not only on his country’s prospects but also his own ongoing health update. He provided a candid status report on his season-ending calf strain, an injury that forced him to miss the final four games of OKC’s Western Conference Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs. The injury occurred during Game 3, and since then Mitchell has focused on a meticulous rehab process.
“Good. It’s been great. We’ve been on top of it as soon as we heard the news. Been working on it ever since,” Mitchell said. “We’re close to being back to 100. It’s a great feeling. Just excited to have a great offseason and be ready to start the year off strong.” His tone reflected a mix of optimism and determination, underscoring his commitment to returning in peak form and helping the Thunder regain their footing for the next campaign.
Despite the extended rehab window, the patience and persistence have become hallmarks of his recovery approach. The timing of his full clearance remains a focal point as the Thunder prepare for a pivotal offseason, and Mitchell’s ongoing rehabilitation highlights the delicate balance athletes navigate between rest, treatment, and readiness for competitive basketball. The expectation is that, if all continues to go well, he will be cleared in time for summer workouts and the early phases of training camp, positioning him to contribute meaningfully as OKC charts its course for the upcoming season.
Mitchell’s breakout season last year included averages of 13.6 points and 3.6 assists per game. His emergence helped the Thunder surge past formidable foes, including a sweeping performance against the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers, with his increased scoring output playing a central role in stabilizing OKC’s offense during a period when Jalen Williams sat out for a substantial portion of the year. His performance provided critical scoring support and allowed the Thunder to navigate a year marked by injuries and competitive pressure, including Williams’s absence, and still emerge with momentum heading into the next chapter for the franchise.
As Mitchell continues to rehab, fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see how quickly he can regain full strength and how his form translates to the upcoming NBA season. The combination of international competition, a high-profile World Cup run, and a thorough, disciplined rehab plan has kept him in the public eye. The hope among Thunder supporters is that he will return with renewed energy, improved performance, and the same drive that helped OKC make significant strides in a season highlighted by his growth as a scorer and a teammate.
This update on Ajay Mitchell’s calf strain—“close to being back to 100”—adds another layer to the narrative surrounding the Thunder as they prepare for the offseason and the forthcoming campaign. With Belgium advancing in the World Cup and Mitchell continuing his rehabilitation, the summer has proven to be a period of both cross-continental competition and personal perseverance. As the team plots its next moves, Mitchell’s health and readiness will remain a critical element of OKC’s plans, and fans will be eager to see him back on the court as soon as possible.