10 Players expected to miss the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for October due to injury

Here are the players expected to miss the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for October 2025 for their national side due to injury.

As the October international break approaches, several high-profile players have been confirmed or reported to be unavailable for their national teams’ 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures due to injury setbacks. Their absences are expected to test squad depth and tactical flexibility in crucial matches across multiple regions.

Confirmed Injured Players – October 2025 International Break

1. Lamine Yamal (Spain / FC Barcelona)
   The teenage winger has been sidelined with a recurring groin (pubic) injury, which Barcelona say will keep him out for approximately two to three weeks. As a result, he will miss Spain’s qualifiers this month.
2. Martin Ødegaard (Norway / Arsenal)
   The Norway captain has withdrawn from his national squad with a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee, forcing him to miss Norway’s forthcoming qualifier(s).
3. Inaki Williams (Ghana / Athletic Bilbao)
   Ghana confirmed that Inaki Williams will miss the October qualifying window amid a leg injury (muscle overload) sustained recently.
4. João Neves (Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain)
   Portugal will also be without rising midfielder João Neves, who has been withdrawn due to a left-thigh injury. His exclusion leaves a notable gap in midfield for Roberto Martinez’s squad.
5. Edgar Sevikyan (Armenia / Akron)
   The Armenian winger is set to miss matches against Hungary and Ireland because of a reported injury, having left the national team camp early

See the full list below:

1. Lamine Yamal – Spain / FC Barcelona
2. Rodri – Spain / Manchester City
3. Reece James – England / Chelsea
4. Cole Palmer – England / Chelsea
5. Emiliano Martínez – Argentina / Aston Villa
6. Bright Osayi-Samuel – Nigeria / Birmingham
7. Mexx Meerdink – Netherlands / AZ Alkmaar
8. Ousmane Dembélé – France / Paris Saint-Germain
9. Joy-Lance Mickels – Germany / Borussia Dortmund II
10. Alisson Becker – Brazil / Liverpool
11. Relebohile Mofokeng – South Africa / Orlando Pirates
12. Bradley Barcola – France / Paris Saint-Germain
13. Iñaki Williams – Ghana / Athletic Bilbao
14. João Neves – Portugal / PSG
15. Cyriel Dessers – Nigeria / Panathinaikos.

The absence of these key players will force national team coaches to adapt quickly, relying on depth options or adjusting tactics to compensate for lost firepower. In some cases, their absence could alter qualifying trajectories, especially for teams already operating with thin margins.

While some recoveries may come in time for later windows, October’s qualifiers will be a stern test for squads across Europe, Africa, and beyond as teams navigate the unpredictable toll of injuries at critical moments.

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