1 of 5 | Spanish winger/midfielder Lamine Yamal (L) inspects the field with teammates before a friendly against Iraq on Thursday in A Coruna, Spain. Photo by Lavandeira/EPA
June 10 (UPI) -- Several key injuries could factor into the 39-day 2026 World Cup, including those to Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.
While some national teams have known for months about expected injury-related absences, allowing them to prepare replacements, others are in limbo about the status of key players, which could hinder their tournament aspirations.
The 48-team tournament will be held from Thursday through July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Spain, the No. 2 team in the FIFA world rankings, is favored to win the tournament. No. 3 France, No. 4 England, No. 5 Portugal, No. 6 Brazil and No. 1 Argentina, the defending champion, are among other top contenders.
