Abde Ezzalzouli, Nayef Aguerd, Morocco, Amine Sbai, Marwane Saadane
11 June 2026

Morocco have been forced into two late World Cup squad changes after injuries ruled out Abde Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd. Amine Sbai and Marwane Saadane have been called up before the Group C opener against Brazil.

Ezzalzouli is expected to miss four to six weeks with a knee injury, while Aguerd has struggled with a groin problem since March. Morocco’s defensive depth is now under pressure before facing Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

Assan Ouedraogo, Julian Nagelsmann, Lennart Karl, Germany
11 June 2026

Assan Ouedraogo has been called into Germany’s World Cup squad after Lennart Karl suffered a severe thigh injury in final training. The RB Leipzig midfielder said Julian Nagelsmann’s call sparked an explosion of emotion during his holiday.

Ouedraogo was relaxing in Marbella when Nagelsmann contacted him, turning a break into a sudden World Cup opportunity. The change gives Germany a late midfield adjustment before their campaign begins against Curacao in Houston.

Alphonso Davies, Canada, Bayern Munich
11 June 2026

Alphonso Davies is facing a difficult race to be fully involved in Canada’s home World Cup after an injury-hit build-up. The Bayern Munich star remains the face of Canadian soccer but may not play major minutes early.

Canada begin against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto without certainty over their captain’s role. Davies’ limited availability would be a major blow for a host nation relying heavily on his profile, pace and experience.

Bukayo Saka, England, Thomas Tuchel, Arsenal
11 June 2026

Bukayo Saka remains short of full sharpness before England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel managing an Achilles issue. The Arsenal winger played through discomfort late in the season and is not yet at 100 percent.

Saka came off the bench against Costa Rica and may need careful minutes during the group stage. England must balance his match-winning ability with workload concerns, especially after several seasons of heavy club and international use.

Cody Gakpo, Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Bart Verbruggen
9 June 2026

Cody Gakpo scored two penalties as 10-man Netherlands beat Uzbekistan 2-1 in their final World Cup warm-up. The result was overshadowed by fresh concern after goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was forced off in the second half.

Ronald Koeman had already lost Jurrien Timber before the tournament, and Verbruggen’s awkward landing created another medical issue. Gakpo’s late penalty rescued the win after Uzbekistan equalised following Guus Til’s red card.

Cody Gakpo, Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Bart Verbruggen
9 June 2026

Cody Gakpo scored two penalties as 10-man Netherlands beat Uzbekistan 2-1 in their final World Cup warm-up. The result was overshadowed by fresh concern after goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was forced off in the second half.

Ronald Koeman had already lost Jurrien Timber before the tournament, and Verbruggen’s awkward landing created another medical issue. Gakpo’s late penalty rescued the win after Uzbekistan equalised following Guus Til’s red card.

Chris Richards, USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino
9 June 2026

Chris Richards returned to full USMNT training in Irvine before Friday’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. The Crystal Palace defender had been recovering from an ankle injury and missed both pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal and Germany.

Richards moved freely through Monday’s open session, giving Mauricio Pochettino a defensive boost after recent transition and individual-error issues. Tyler Adams was limited to gym work for load management, while Antonee Robinson also trained fully after cramps.

Jurrien Timber, Netherlands, Lutsharel Geertruida, Ronald Koeman
8 June 2026

Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad because of a groin injury. The Arsenal defender will leave the pre-camp after the Uzbekistan friendly, with Lutsharel Geertruida called up as his replacement.

Timber had not recovered sufficiently to play in a medically responsible way despite returning for Arsenal in the Champions League final. Ronald Koeman now loses a versatile defender before group matches against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.

Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Spain, Luis de la Fuente
8 June 2026

Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz were left out of Spain’s travelling squad for their final World Cup warm-up against Peru. All three stayed at Spain’s Tennessee base to continue injury recovery.

Luis de la Fuente expects Yamal to be available for Spain’s opener against Cabo Verde, though possibly only for limited minutes. Williams also trained with the group, but Spain are avoiding unnecessary risk before group play.

Christian Eriksen, Denmark, Ukraine
7 June 2026

Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine in Odense, forcing the match to be abandoned. The Danish FA said the midfielder was conscious, doing well and able to walk from the pitch before further hospital checks.

Team doctor Morten Boesen said Eriksen’s ICD appeared to respond as expected after he briefly lost consciousness. Players from both teams formed a protective ring around him, echoing the scenes from his Euro 2020 cardiac arrest.