Ismael Saibari and Morocco
During Morocco’s win over Canada

Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari was forced off after 20 minutes of the 3-0 World Cup win over Canada, clutching his right thigh. The new Bayern Munich signing left visibly distressed, creating fresh concern before Morocco face France next.

Saibari had been one of Morocco’s standout players, scoring three goals before the knockout stage and recently completing a reported €50m move from PSV. Soufiane Rahimi replaced him and later scored, but his absence could damage Morocco’s title hopes.

Alphonso Davies and Canada
After Canada’s World Cup defeat by Morocco

Alphonso Davies says it was his own decision not to play in Canada’s World Cup elimination against Morocco. The Bayern Munich left-back felt his hamstring was not ready, despite running at half-time and being described as available before kick-off.

Jesse Marsch said an MRI showed no fresh injury, but Davies still did not feel right after training. Canada chose caution because of his repeated hamstring issues, leaving their captain on the bench during the biggest match in programme history.

Reece James, Jarell Quansah and England
Before England face Mexico

Reece James missed England’s final training session before the World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico, leaving him doubtful for the Azteca match. Jarell Quansah has returned to full training and is available again after a hamstring issue.

James has missed two matches since injuring his hamstring against Ghana and is now following an individual programme. Quansah’s recovery eases England’s right-back problem, with Djed Spence also an option and Declan Rice expected to remain in midfield.

Neymar, Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti
Before Brazil face Norway

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar is physically ready to play 90 minutes if Brazil need him against Norway. The forward arrived at the World Cup injured, missed the first two group games and has had limited minutes since.

Ancelotti said Neymar is unhappy with his lack of playing time but training well. Brazil are preparing for a physical Norway side led by Erling Haaland, with the winner set to face Mexico or England next.

Declan Rice and England
Before Sunday’s last-16 tie against Mexico

Declan Rice is likely to start England’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico despite a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back. Thomas Tuchel said the midfielder played through terrible pain before coming off against DR Congo.

England still have right-back concerns, with Reece James yet to return to full training and Jarell Quansah still recovering from an ankle issue. Rice’s availability is crucial because Tuchel may need his energy in Mexico City altitude.

Riyad Mahrez and Algeria
After Algeria’s World Cup last-32 defeat by Switzerland

Riyad Mahrez has retired from international football after Algeria’s 2-0 World Cup defeat by Switzerland. The 35-year-old captain ends a 12-year national-team career with 120 caps and 40 goals for the Desert Foxes after this campaign.

Mahrez confirmed after the match that it was his final appearance for Algeria. He leaves as the country’s second-most capped player, second-highest scorer and the captain who led them to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2019.

Mohamed Salah and Egypt
Ahead of Friday’s World Cup round-of-32 tie against Australia

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan says Mohamed Salah is available to face Australia after recovering enough from a hamstring strain. The 34-year-old rejoined partial training after physiotherapy, though he may not be risked from the start.

Salah was injured during Egypt’s draw with Iran and later underwent scans before beginning treatment. Hassan said he wants Salah involved but will not take risks unless the forward is fully ready for Egypt’s historic knockout match.

Manuel Neuer and Germany
Tuesday after Germany’s World Cup exit

Manuel Neuer has announced his second retirement from international football after Germany’s painful World Cup last-32 defeat by Paraguay. The 40-year-old said he had no regrets about returning for one final tournament in North America.

Neuer first stepped away after Euro 2024 but came back when Marc-Andre ter Stegen was ruled out through injury. Germany’s penalty shootout loss ended that comeback and closed one of the country’s great international careers.

Lucas Paqueta and Brazil
After Brazil’s win over Japan

Brazil have confirmed Lucas Paqueta suffered a significant muscle injury during the 2-1 victory over Japan, leaving the Flamengo midfielder in danger of missing the rest of the World Cup as the knockout stage tightens.

Paqueta was forced off at half-time before medical tests confirmed the setback. The injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with another fitness concern as Brazil prepare for their knockout tie against Norway and manage squad depth without a trusted starter.

Raphinha and Brazil
Tuesday

Brazil received a fitness boost as Raphinha returned to individual training ahead of their World Cup round-of-16 tie against Norway. The Barcelona winger has been recovering from a right thigh injury as squad concerns continue.

Raphinha trained separately while the rest of the squad had time off, continuing an intensive rehabilitation programme with Brazil’s medical staff. His return gives Carlo Ancelotti another attacking option if his recovery progresses before a decisive knockout test.