The World Cup is the ultimate stage for football's biggest stars, and with the 2026 FIFA tournament kicking off in just weeks, players around the globe are racing against the clock to be fit. But for some of the sport's brightest talents, injury has already dashed their dreams—and for others, the clock is ticking louder than ever.

From devastating ACL tears to Achilles ruptures, no team is immune. Whether it's a superstar forward or a crucial squad player, one wrong step can derail a nation's championship hopes. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, and every day brings new fitness updates that could reshape the entire competition.

Here's a look at the biggest injury stories threatening to sideline key players this summer.

Rodrygo (Real Madrid & Brazil)
The Real Madrid winger suffered an ACL tear in early March during a match against Getafe, confirming he will miss the World Cup entirely. Recovery will also likely spill into the start of next club season, as he'll need a full preseason to ramp up safely.

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool & France)
In a cruel twist of fate, Ekitike tore his right Achilles tendon in mid-April during a Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain. He slipped while jumping and landed awkwardly, needing to be stretchered off. The injury is one of the most serious in sports, with a recovery timeline of nine to twelve months—meaning he'll miss not only the World Cup but a significant portion of next season as well.

Ironically, Ekitike was injured in the very same stadium where dreams are made and broken. As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans and teams alike will be holding their breath for every fitness report.