World Cup 2026: The Complete Injury & Fitness Tracker — Every Major Player Doubt Heading Into the Tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 — and as of today, several of the tournament's biggest names are carrying injury concerns. Here is the complete fitness and injury tracker for every major player doubt, with the latest medical updates and expected return timelines.

Neymar (Brazil) — Grade 2 Calf Injury

Status: DOUBTFUL for opener vs Morocco (June 13). Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has confirmed a grade two calf injury following an MRI scan. Expected return: 2-3 weeks from diagnosis, putting Neymar's earliest possible return around June 23-25 — potentially in time for Brazil's final group match. Brazil's medical staff are working around the clock, but rushing him back risks a more serious recurrence that could end his tournament entirely. Verdict: unlikely to play before Brazil's third group game at the earliest.

Rúben Dias (Portugal) — Hamstring Concern

Status: DOUBTFUL for opener vs DR Congo (June 17). Portugal's key centre-back has not featured since mid-March with a hamstring issue. Dias is vital to Portugal's defensive structure — his ability to organise, communicate, and win aerial duels makes him almost irreplaceable in Roberto Martínez's system. Portugal have cover in Tomás Araújo and Gonçalo Inácio, but neither provides the same elite-level assurance. Verdict: a race against time — 60% chance he is fit for the opener, 90% chance he features at some point in the group stage.

Phil Foden (England) — Controversially Omitted

Status: NOT INJURED — OMITTED. Foden's absence from Tuchel's squad is not injury-related — it is a selection decision that has shocked English football. The Manchester City star is fit and available; Tuchel simply chose not to include him. The decision remains the most controversial selection call of the entire tournament across all 48 nations, and will be debated throughout England's campaign — particularly if they struggle to create chances in the group stage.

Rodri (Spain) — Returning From ACL Injury

Status: FIT — CONFIRMED IN SQUAD. Rodri missed most of the 2024-25 club season with an ACL injury suffered in September 2024, but has returned to full fitness and been confirmed in Spain's 26-man squad. His inclusion is the most significant fitness story for any tournament favourite — with Rodri fit, Spain are the clear tournament favourites; without him, their midfield control is significantly diminished. Spain's medical staff have managed his return carefully, and he is expected to start Spain's opener against Cape Verde on June 13.

Other Injury Concerns to Monitor

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) — has managed persistent muscle issues throughout 2025-26; expected to start but his minutes may be managed carefully across the group stage. Luka Modrić (Croatia) — at 40, managing his physical load is the primary concern rather than any specific injury; expected to play but unlikely to feature in every minute of every match. Sadio Mané (Senegal) — has had an injury-disrupted club season but is confirmed fit and in the squad. Erling Haaland (Norway) — no fitness concerns reported; arrives at the tournament in the form of his life.