World Cup 2026 roster rules: when can teams replace injured players?
As injuries force late changes across several nations, FIFA regulations determine who can be replaced and when.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching and countries finalizing their preparations, national team coaches are praying their key stars can avoid tournament-ending injuries before the action has even kicked off.
While it has been known for some time that certain players, including Brazilian trio Rodrygo, Eder Militão and Estevão, France’s Hugo Ekitike, Dutch attacker Xavi Simons and Germany’s Serge Gnabry would miss the World Cup through injury, others have suffered an even crueler fate, picking up fitness issues after being named to their nation’s tournament roster.
Late injury blow for Brazil
Another Brazil player, right back Wesley, is the latest to have a potentially glorious summer snatched away from him. He follows in the footsteps of Moïse Bombito, Canada’s top central defender, who is expected to be replaced after suffering a setback in his recovery from a broken leg, Argentina center-back Leonardo Balerdi and Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour, who has made way for Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher after suffering an injury in a friendly against Curaçao.
Race against time before kickoff
With more World Cup warm-up games involving France, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, England and the Netherlands on the way this week, more players are desperately hoping to get through the next few days unscathed.
If something untoward does happen, FIFA rules state that coaches can replace one injured player up to 24 hours before kickoff in their first game of the tournament.
Should a player suffer an injury after that point, no replacement can be called and the roster will be a man down.
Those rules only apply to injured outfield players, however. Injured goalkeepers can be replaced at any time during the tournament.
Messi, Yamal among stars still carrying concerns
A number of top stars, including Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, go into the tournament not at 100%, although they are expected to be fit enough to play at least some part in the group stage.
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