ESPN releases predicted 2026 World Cup squads as injury concerns mount
From Argentina’s defensive frailties to the United States’ mobility issues, key players face fitness battles ahead of the June 11 opener in Mexico City.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup entering its final month, ESPN has published comprehensive predicted starting lineups and squad analyses for the tournament’s major contenders and co-hosts. The publication coincides with the 30-day countdown to the opening match, scheduled for June 11 in Mexico City, where hosts Mexico will face South Africa. The report covers 17 nations, including traditional powerhouses and emerging teams, offering a detailed breakdown of projected formations, strengths, and weaknesses.
Injury concerns have emerged as a critical narrative across several top-tier squads. Argentina, the defending champions, face challenges regarding the physical condition of their defenders and a lack of depth at full-back. Similarly, Brazil’s preparation has been hampered by the absence of key attackers Éder Militão and Rodrygo, while England’s Phil Foden remains a significant doubt for the final squad. France has lost forward Hugo Ekitike, and Germany’s tactical setup is complicated by the retirement of Manuel Neuer and recurring issues for Marc-André ter Stegen.
The analysis also highlights specific vulnerabilities for other major teams. Japan’s depth is tested by the ACL injury to Takumi Minamino and the fitness race for captain Wataru Endo. Morocco’s star Achraf Hakimi is managing a thigh complaint, and Portugal faces questions over Cristiano Ronaldo’s role and fitness at age 41. Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly is also battling a freak injury, while Spain’s preparations are complicated by hamstring issues for Lamine Yamal and Rodri.
Host nations and North American contenders present their own strategic dilemmas. The United States is scrutinised for defensive mobility concerns, particularly regarding veteran centre-back Tim Ream, despite a stronger attacking lineup featuring striker Ricardinho Balogun. Canada’s Alphonso Davies is nursing a hamstring issue, and Mexico’s manager Javier Aguirre is finalising a squad that relies heavily on Fulham’s Raul Jimenez. The Netherlands face uncertainty in their forward line, with Memphis Depay recovering from injury and the striker position unsettled.
South Korea’s coach Hong Myung-Bo appears to be pivoting to a three-man defence due to injuries to key midfielders Park Yong-woo and Hwang In-beom. Belgium’s fitness remains the biggest worry, with Romelu Lukaku limited to just five appearances this season. ESPN’s global reporters and experts have compiled these projections to provide a 10,000-foot view of how the teams are shaping up, noting that the last two months have seen significant changes that will present opportunities for new stars to step up.
