As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the competitive landscape has been significantly reshaped by a wave of injury concerns affecting several of the tournament's leading contenders. What was shaping up as a relatively clear hierarchy of favorites has grown considerably more uncertain, with fitness questions now hanging over key figures across Spain, France, Argentina, and Germany. The expanded 48-team format, while creating new opportunities for smaller nations, demands greater squad depth than ever before — a requirement that is already exposing vulnerabilities among the traditional powerhouses.
Spain entered 2026 as the consensus frontrunner following their commanding Euro 2024 triumph, but their preparations have not been without turbulence. In late January and early February, Luis de la Fuente's squad absorbed two damaging blows: Porto forward Samu Aghehowa suffered an ACL tear widely expected to end his tournament before it begins, while Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was simultaneously sidelined with a bone injury. Though Spain's core — Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri — remains intact, the setbacks have introduced genuine depth concerns in attack and midfield, and will test the squad's resilience heading into the summer.
The most consequential injury story, however, surrounds France's Kylian Mbappé. Reports emerging between mid and late February confirmed that a persistent knee inflammation, troubling the Real Madrid forward since December 2025, had placed his World Cup participation in serious doubt. The timing is particularly damaging for France, who had already confirmed that Antoine Griezmann would not be returning from international retirement, leaving their attacking options thinner than in previous cycles. A Mbappé absence would fundamentally alter France's threat profile and raise questions about whether the 2018 champions can mount a serious title challenge. Germany, meanwhile, faces its own goalkeeping uncertainty after Marc-André ter Stegen underwent a second surgery in early February, casting doubt over the Barcelona stopper's availability and adding another layer of instability to a squad already in the midst of a broader rebuild.
Among the chasing pack, Brazil and Argentina are navigating their own pre-tournament storylines. Carlo Ancelotti moved closer to signing a contract extension with the Brazilian Football Confederation through 2030 in early February, providing a degree of stability around a squad built on the Real Madrid core of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militão. Teenage forward Endrick further bolstered Brazil's attacking credentials with five goals in six Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon between late January and mid-February, making a compelling case for a prominent role in the tournament. The question of Neymar's involvement adds a compelling subplot: the 34-year-old hinted in mid-February at a potential retirement in December 2026, and while teammate Rodrygo publicly backed his inclusion, his fitness and form remain subjects of genuine debate. Defending champions Argentina, meanwhile, are managing a mounting injury list that includes torn ligaments for Juan Foyth and a spell on the sidelines for striker Lautaro Martínez — setbacks that complicate preparations for both the World Cup and the upcoming Finalissima against Spain. With Lionel Messi's participation expected to represent his final World Cup appearance, the pressure on Argentina's supporting cast to stay healthy has never been greater. On the managerial front, England secured a positive note by confirming Thomas Tuchel on a contract extension in late January, removing uncertainty around the dugout and signaling institutional commitment to ending the nation's long wait for a major trophy.