World Cup continues to lose major stars: Top names ruled out, long list of uncertainties

France, one of the top contenders for the World Cup title, will be without Hugo Ekitiké. The Liverpool forward ruptured his Achilles tendon against PSG in the Champions League and is definitively out for this summer's tournament. It's even questionable whether fans will see him in action again by 2026. He is one of the stars set to miss football's biggest quadrennial event. Serge Gnabry, a key player for Bayern Munich, is also sidelined due to injury.

From a Dutch perspective, the national team will have to cope without Jerdy Schouten, Xavi Simons, and very likely Emegha. They have all withdrawn due to severe knee injuries and hamstring problems. Schouten and Simons are definitely unavailable for national coach Ronald Koeman. Brazil will even miss three top players in Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Estevao (Chelsea), and Éder Militao (Real Madrid).

A month before the World Cup kicks off, Arsenal defender Ben White has also been ruled out. He will miss his London club's probable league title, the Champions League final against PSG, and the World Cup with England.

Beyond the confirmed absentees, many players have question marks hanging over their names. They are currently injured, and it remains uncertain whether they will recover in time for the World Cup. Below is a list of big names whose participation is not guaranteed.

• Memphis Depay (Corinthians / Netherlands)

• Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth / Netherlands)

• Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United / Netherlands)

• Jurriën Timber (Arsenal / Netherlands)

• Luka Modric (AC Milan / Croatia)

• Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City / Croatia)

• Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona / Spain)

• Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao / Spain)

• Reece James (Chelsea / England)

• Ruben Dias (Manchester City / Portugal)

• Alisson (Liverpool / Brazil)

• Romelu Lukaku (Napoli / Belgium)

• Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur / Argentina)

• Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur / Ghana)

• Wataru Endo (Liverpool / Japan)

• Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich / Canada)

• Mikel Merino (Arsenal / Spain)

The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11th with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The Dutch national team plays its first game against Japan on June 14th. Takumi Minamino of AS Monaco will definitely not be participating, as he is sidelined until at least August. For Sweden, another opponent in the 'Oranje' group, Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski will also be absent.