The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be defined by who won't be on the field rather than who will. Brazil has been hit hardest, with Estêvão (torn hamstring) and Rodrygo (torn ACL and meniscus) both ruled out -- devastating blows for a team that struggled to score during qualifying. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has handed a lifeline to 34-year-old Neymar, who made Brazil's preliminary squad. Éder Militão also misses out with another hamstring injury, leaving Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães to partner Marquinhos in central defense.

Germany will be without Serge Gnabry after he tore an adductor in mid-April, robbing Die Mannheim of their most consistent performer -- no player logged more than his eight qualifying appearances. France's Hugo Ekitiké saw his excellent Liverpool season end with a torn Achilles, while the Netherlands lost both Xavi Simons (ACL) and midfielder Jerdy Schouten to serious knee injuries, potentially opening doors for Jamal Musiala and veteran Marten de Roon.

Japan's hopes took a major hit with Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) and Takumi Minamino (ACL) both missing the tournament -- Mitoma scored the winner against England in March. The United States will be without Patrick Agyemang (Achilles) and Johnny Cardoso (ankle sprain), with Mauricio Pochettino now likely turning to Josh Sargent as a third attacking option.