Rodrygo has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Real Madrid. The injury is a torn ACL along with damage to the meniscus in his right knee. The club confirmed it after medical tests, and said he will need surgery and a long recovery period.
The incident happened during a match against Getafe when Rodrygo came on as a substitute and got injured shortly after. He tried to continue but later scans showed the full extent of the damage.
This means he will miss the rest of the club season and will also not be part of Brazil national football team for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will now have to change his attacking plans. Rodrygo was a flexible forward who could play in wide positions or centrally, so his absence removes an important option from the squad.
Brazil still has attacking players like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Estevão, and Matheus Cunha. But Rodrygo has already been seen as a regular part of World Cup plans.
The injury also opens up a possible chance for Neymar, who may now be considered again if he is fit and in form before the tournament. His absence is seen as a major setback for both Real Madrid and Brazil.
Rodrygo Suffered ACL and Meniscus Tear, Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup with Brazil
Rodrygo suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Real Madrid. They were playing in a match against Getafe in March 2026.
He injured his right knee during the game after earlier feeling some soreness. Medical scans later confirmed a torn ACL along with a torn lateral meniscus. This is one of the most serious injuries in football and usually needs long recovery time.
Real Madrid confirmed the injury and said he would miss the rest of the season. It also ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Brazil national football team.
Reports said he had surgery soon after the diagnosis, and the operation was successful. After that, he began the long rehab process, with an expected recovery time of around eight months.
Rodrygo also reacted emotionally, saying it was one of the hardest moments of his career and that missing the World Cup was a big personal blow.
Carlo Ancelotti will now have to adjust Brazil’s attacking plans without him. Rodrygo was seen as a flexible attacker who could play wide or centrally. So his absence removes an important option.
Players like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Estevão, and Matheus Cunha remain in the squad, but Rodrygo was part of the main plan before the injury.
Neymar also reacted to the news, saying he understood the pain because he had suffered the same type of injury before. He sent a message of support and encouraged Rodrygo to stay strong during recovery.
At club level, Rodrygo had played 27 matches that season for Real Madrid. He scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists before the injury stopped his campaign early.
Neymar Included in Brazil 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup Under Carlo Ancelotti, Returns for Fourth Appearance
Neymar has been included in Brazil national football team 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under coach Carlo Ancelotti. This will be his fourth World Cup appearance after playing in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Neymar, now 34 and playing for Santos, had not featured for Brazil since 2023 due to injuries. He returned to form this season with consistent games, which helped him get selected again.
Ancelotti said the decision came after monitoring Neymar throughout the year and seeing that he had good physical condition and continuity in his club matches. His return was met with a strong reaction from fans when his name was announced at the squad reveal event in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil’s squad also includes key players like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel, Alisson, and Ederson. Some surprise omissions include Chelsea forward João Pedro, despite a strong season in the Premier League.
Brazil will play Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in the group stage of the tournament starting in June 2026.
Neymar Included in Brazil 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup Under Carlo Ancelotti, Returns for Fourth Appearance
Carlo Ancelotti Named Brazil Head Coach Ahead of 2026 World Cup After Legendary Club Career
Carlo Ancelotti is the current manager of Brazil national football team.
He has a long club career before taking this job. He coached teams like Real Madrid, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich. He has also won league titles in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.
This is his first time managing an international team. He was appointed by Brazil to try to guide them to the 2026 World Cup title.
His connection with Real Madrid also helps because many Brazil players already know his coaching style.
One of Brazil’s main players under him is Vinícius Júnior, who is expected to play a big role in the World Cup attack.
FAQs
Q. What injury did Rodrygo suffer and why is he out of the World Cup?
A. Rodrygo suffered a torn ACL and meniscus injury in his right knee. The injury ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Q. How did the injury happen?
A. The injury happened during a match against Getafe after coming on as a substitute.
Q. What will Real Madrid and Brazil miss without Rodrygo?
A. Brazil national football team lose a flexible attacker. Real Madrid lose a forward who could play wide or central roles.
Q. Which players are expected to replace Rodrygo for Brazil?
A. Brazil still has Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Estevão, and Matheus Cunha.
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