Neymar
Sunday, 21 June 2026

Neymar completed his first full training session with Brazil since reporting for World Cup duty, raising hopes he can feature against Scotland. The Santos forward missed Brazil’s first two group matches with a calf injury.

Lucas Paqueta welcomed Neymar’s return and said the squad hopes he can help soon. Brazil also remain without Raphinha, so Neymar’s availability could boost their attack before a key Group C meeting in Miami this week.

Stephen Eustaquio, Canada and Alphonso Davies
21 June 2026

Canada vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio missed training before the decisive World Cup group match against Switzerland. Canada Soccer did not provide a reason for his absence, though he was expected to arrive later in the day.

Eustaquio has captained Canada in Alphonso Davies’ absence and started both group matches. Davies trained with the team as he continues his hamstring recovery, while Canada prepare for a top-place fight against Switzerland.

Brazil, Raphinha and Neymar
21 June 2026

Brazil have received encouraging news after Raphinha underwent scans on a right thigh injury suffered during the 3-0 win over Haiti. Early indications suggest the Barcelona winger will not need to leave Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

Raphinha’s fitness matters because Brazil can no longer replace outfield players once the tournament has started. Neymar is also expected to return to group training before the Scotland match, giving Ancelotti more attacking options for the knockout push.

Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Netherlands
21 June 2026

Virgil van Dijk said he briefly could not feel his upper leg after taking a heavy blow to the hip during Netherlands’ 5-1 win over Sweden. The Dutch captain believes the issue was likely a pinched nerve.

Van Dijk expects the problem to settle, but the scare adds to Dutch fitness concerns after Frenkie de Jong also admitted he played through pain. Ronald Koeman will monitor both players before the Tunisia group finale.

Jeremy Doku, Belgium and Iran
21 June 2026

Jeremy Doku will miss Belgium’s World Cup match against Iran because of illness, with reports pointing to a recurring respiratory infection. The Manchester City winger had started the 1-1 draw with Egypt but has now been withdrawn.

Belgium sports director Vincent Mannaert said Doku needs rest and treatment before targeting the final group game against New Zealand. Rudi Garcia must now reshape his attack, with Leandro Trossard, Dodi Lukebakio and Charles De Ketelaere options.

Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and England
21 June 2026

Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice returned to full England training before the World Cup match against Ghana, easing fitness concerns from the Croatia win. Bukayo Saka remained on an individual programme while his Achilles issue continues to be managed.

Thomas Tuchel is expected to keep Saka on the bench again, with Noni Madueke likely to retain the right-wing role. Rice should start in midfield, while Rashford is pushing Anthony Gordon for the left-side attacking spot.

Bukayo Saka, England and Thomas Tuchel
20 June 2026

Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start England’s World Cup match against Ghana as Thomas Tuchel continues managing an Achilles tendinitis issue. The Arsenal winger assisted Marcus Rashford from the bench in the opening 4-2 win over Croatia.

Tuchel suggested Saka may not be ready to start until England’s final group game against Panama. The issue has not worsened since Arsenal’s title run-in, but England are protecting him for the later stages carefully.

Harry Kane, Declan Rice and England
19 June 2026

England expect Harry Kane and Declan Rice to be available for their second World Cup match against Ghana. Kane wore heavy strapping after the Croatia win, while Rice was withdrawn after reporting lower back and hamstring discomfort.

Thomas Tuchel said Rice’s substitution was precautionary and that the midfielder reassured him after the match. Kane’s issue is understood to be cramp management, preserving England’s core spine before Tuesday’s Group L fixture against Ghana.

Ismael Kone, Canada and Qatar
18 June 2026

Canada midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a broken left leg during a 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver. He was stretchered off after Assim Madibo’s challenge, which was upgraded to a red card after VAR review.

Jesse Marsch said Canada were shaken and called Kone a huge loss after two strong World Cup games. Qatar finished with nine players, while Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as Canada moved top of Group B.

Declan Rice, England, Thomas Tuchel
18 June 2026

Declan Rice is expected to be available for England’s World Cup match against Ghana after feeling lower-back and upper-hamstring discomfort during the 4-2 win over Croatia. Thomas Tuchel substituted him early to avoid worsening the problem.

The issue is understood to be something Rice has managed for some time rather than a fresh major injury. England will monitor him through the tournament, but current indications suggest he should remain in contention for Tuesday’s group match.