World Cup 2026 Injury Updates: Neymar Returns, Salah’s Status Uncertain, England’s James Out

Neymar finally stepped back onto the field for Brazil during their last group match against Scotland after battling a calf injury that sidelined him for much of the tournament's start. His brief appearance brought hope for Brazil’s upcoming knockout rounds as the team secured top spot in Group C.

But Neymar’s recovery is just one of many injury stories unfolding at this World Cup. England faces setbacks too, with Reece James ruled out of their first knockout game due to a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, Declan Rice’s condition remains uncertain after being rested in the group finale.

Spain has been hit hard with winger injuries. Both Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino suffered problems during their last group match against Uruguay, casting doubt over their chances in the knockout stages. Egypt’s captain Mohamed Salah also faces uncertainty after a knee injury raised questions about his participation beyond the group phase.

Neymar (Brazil)

After missing the opening matches, Neymar returned off the bench versus Scotland. Coach Carlo Ancelotti commented that Neymar’s progress has been promising, but whether he starts in the knockouts depends on the situation during matches.

"Neymar is making great progress," Ancelotti said. "He couldn't train fully, so he played just 15 minutes, but he's doing well enough to contribute."

Reece James (England)

James was sidelined with a minor hamstring strain and missed England’s final group match. Manager Thomas Tuchel hopes James will return later but confirmed the player is on a fast-track rehab program.

"We take it game by game," Tuchel explained. "There’s belief he’ll be available again, but it's tight."

Declan Rice (England)

Rice experienced discomfort early on but still completed full matches, though he appeared limping afterward. He sat out the last group game but was an unused substitute, with Tuchel cautious about risking him unnecessarily.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah left the pitch early during Egypt’s draw with Iran due to a knee injury. Despite concerns, manager Hossam Hassan remains hopeful Salah will recover in time for the knockouts.

"Salah told me he’s going to be OK," Hassan said. "It doesn’t seem like a big injury."

Yeremy Pino (Spain)

Pino injured his collarbone against Uruguay. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente warned the injury could keep Pino out for the remainder of the tournament despite no fracture being found.

"He was heroic to finish the game despite the pain," said de la Fuente.

Nico Williams (Spain)

Williams suffers a groin injury following a rough challenge. His availability for upcoming matches is doubtful as the injury adds to Spain's troubles.

"One of the worst days of my life," Williams shared on social media. "I’m injured again after a tough year, but this won’t stop me."

Christian Pulisic (United States)

Pulisic missed much of the group stage due to a calf injury but made a substitute appearance against Turkey, showing signs of fitness. Coach Mauricio Pochettino hopes he can contribute in the knockout rounds.

"I felt healthy and good to be back," Pulisic told Fox Sports.

Raphinha (Brazil)

Raphinha has been out since a hamstring injury against Haiti. The Barcelona forward is undergoing treatment with hopes of returning soon.

"I will do everything to recover and fight alongside my teammates," Raphinha posted.

Jarell Quansah (England)

Quansah twisted his ankle against Panama and will miss the knockout round. Tuchel acknowledged the growing injury issues at right-back but is focused on finding solutions.

Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Romero suffered a knee injury after being stamped on during Argentina’s win over Austria. He was rested in the last group game as his condition is monitored.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Davies missed all group matches but returned off the bench in Canada’s narrow win over South Africa. Coach Jesse Marsch expects him to be ready for the next game.

Edouard Mendy (Senegal)

Mendy will miss Senegal’s first knockout match due to a knee injury sustained against Norway. This leaves a significant gap in goal for the African side.

Auston Trusty (United States)

Trusty rolled his ankle during the group loss to Turkey. While no stretcher was needed, his fitness for the knockout game remains unclear.

Victor Munoz (Spain)

Munoz, who joined Liverpool recently, has not played due to calf and muscle injuries and is currently training alone as he recovers.

Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)

Paqueta left the field at halftime against Japan with a muscle injury. No timetable for return has been announced yet.

Tino Livramento (England)

Livramento was ruled out before the tournament started due to a calf injury, forcing England to adjust their squad.

Ismael Kone (Canada)

Kone suffered severe leg fractures against Qatar and will miss the rest of the tournament following surgery.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Kudus is absent because of a quadricep injury, missing out on Ghana’s World Cup campaign entirely.

Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic)

Soucek sustained a serious ankle injury in their final group game but the Czech Republic was already eliminated.

Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay)

Ugarte was stretchered off after a knee injury during Uruguay’s elimination match, visibly upset after the incident.

Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany)

Schlotterbeck tore a ligament early in Germany’s group matches and is out for months, ending his World Cup.

Wataru Endo (Japan)

Endo missed the tournament due to a foot injury and announced retirement from international football.

Jurrien Timber (Netherlands)

Timber was ruled out after failing to recover sufficiently from a groin problem despite brief appearances earlier in the year.

Lennart Karl (Germany)

Karl, a young talent, suffered a torn thigh muscle in training and will not play in this World Cup.