Militão Injury Raises Concerns for Brazil Ahead of 2026 World Cup Opener vs Morocco

Rabat – Éder Militão’s injury is bad news for Brazil just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with serious uncertainty now surrounding his availability for the tournament opener against Morocco on June 13. 

Real Madrid’s defender was forced off injured during the La Liga match against Deportivo Alavés last night after feeling a sharp pain in his left thigh while attempting a shot. He left the pitch at the 47th minute and immediately asked for a substitution, triggering concern inside both club and national team camps.

Early medical assessments point to a mild strain of the left hamstring (biceps femoris), although further tests are still required to determine the exact severity and recovery timeline. 

The timing is particularly worrying given Militão’s recent injury history, as he has suffered severe, recurring knee injuries for a while now. He had only just returned to full fitness after a previous hamstring tear that sidelined him for four months, keeping him out until late March.

This makes his World Cup participation uncertain, especially with Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti expected to announce his final squad on May 18, leaving the defender with less than a month to prove his physical readiness.

Militao’s knees are cooked man, he literally got injured from shooting the ball in this play.. pic.twitter.com/8LaU1sxLgv

— Darryl (@DarrylRMFC) April 21, 2026

Growing concerns for Brazil’s squad

Militão’s situation adds to an already fragile defensive and squad depth picture for Brazil heading into the tournament. Many important players are either injured or doubtful, including the biggest blow to the attack, Rodrygo, who has been ruled out after an ACL injury and will not recover in time for the tournament.

Alisson Becker, Brazil’s long-time starting goalkeeper, is out for the season with Liverpool and is also most likely to miss the World Cup due to a severe, recurring hamstring injury.

Bruno Guimarães is doubtful due to hamstring issues, while Neymar’s participation also remains uncertain due to recurring muscular problems.

Brazil’s World Cup campaign starts with one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage against Morocco. The match is considered the biggest test in Group C, where any defensive weakness could prove costly.

With Militão’s fitness now in doubt, Brazil faces the potential loss of a highly important and experienced center-back just before the tournament. The team now anxiously awaits his recovery timeline, hoping the injury is minor and won’t disrupt their World Cup campaign.

Read also: Morocco Fans Face $150 Train Cost from New York to Stadium for Brazil World Cup Match

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