Throughout history, several soccer stars have come within a hair’s breadth of a World Cup, only to be sidelined by injury. These absences not only shaped their careers but also altered the course of their national teams.

Now, as preparations are underway for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, we look back at the major absences.

7 Stars who missed the World Cup due to injury

Injuries are part of the game, but when they occur on the eve of a major tournament like the World Cup, their impact is even greater.

After leading Brazil to the title in 1994, the Canarinha’s idol aimed to repeat the feat in France 1998. However, a muscle injuryin his right calf prevented him from being in top form and sidelined him. Although the Verdeamarela advanced to the final without him, they lost 3-0 to the host nation.

• Pep Guardiola (Korea-Japan 2002)

Before becoming one of today’s most prominent coaches, Pep orchestrated the Spain national team from within, from the midfield. However, a few weeks before the 2002 tournament, he suffered an unfortunate sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, forcing him to sit out the World Cup.

• David Beckham (South Africa 2010)

Beckham was on the verge of making history and becoming the first English player to compete in four World Cups. However, on March 14, 2010, he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for Milan. Despite undergoing surgery, he decided to travel with the English delegation as part of the coaching staff.

• Radamel Falcao (Brazil 2014)

Falcao was in brilliant form as Colombia’s leader. However, everything came to a halt on January 22, during a French Cup match where he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Although he tried to recover against the clock, he was unable to make it in time.

In that tournament, the blow to France was devastating, and one of the most deeply felt absences was that of Pogba. The midfielder had been dealing with a knee injury that led to surgery after he suffered a meniscus problem. Just as he seemed to be recovering, a new muscle injury in his right thigh ruled him out of the World Cup.

France thus lost one of its leaders and a player who had been key in Russia 2018 with his goal in the final against Croatia. But he wasn’t the only one: NGolo Kant (hamstring), Presnel Kimpemb (Achilles tendon), Christopher Nkunku (torn lateral ligament), and Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner, suffered a torn quadriceps just days before the debut (shortly after, he retired from Les Bleus).

Senegal kept their hopes alive as long as they could. Man was injured days before the tournament in a match with Bayern Munich. Although he was initially included on the roster, subsequent tests confirmed he wouldn’t be fit for the tournament, and the Senegalese played in Qatar without their captain, who was set to compete in his second World Cup following his participation in Russia 2018.

• Marco Reus (Brazil 2014 / Qatar 2022)

Without a doubt, this is one of the most heartbreaking stories, as Reus was forced to miss two World Cups due to injuries. In 2014, a partial tear of the ligaments in his left ankle sustained in the final friendly match before the tournament ruled him out. Fortunately, Germany went on to win the title.

Then, at Qatar 2022, a persistent ankle injury sustained in September of that year prevented him from recovering in time, and he was left off Hansi Flick’s final roster.

Injuries are one of the cruelest aspects of soccer, especially when they strike right before a World Cup, as in a matter of seconds, they can erase years of preparation and leave those who were destined to be stars off the biggest stage. These absences not only deprived the players of competing on the biggest stage, but also changed the history of their national teams.