Common Questions

Why is Rodrygo not at the 2026 World Cup?

Rodrygo was ruled out of Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad on 9 May 2026 due to ACL and meniscus injuries. Coach Carlo Ancelotti named a preliminary 55-man squad that did not include him.Source: CBF / Carlo Ancelotti

Why is Rodrygo not in the 2026 World Cup squad?

Rodrygo was ruled out of Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad on 9 May 2026 due to ACL and meniscus injuries. Recovery is expected but the June-July tournament comes too soon.Source: Lowdown

Who is Rodrygo and which club does he play for?

Rodrygo Goes is a Brazilian forward who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019 for €45 million at age 18. He is known for decisive Champions League goals and developed at Real alongside Vinicius Jr and Éder Militão.

Background

Rodrygo was ruled out of Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad on 9 May 2026 when Carlo Ancelotti named a preliminary 55-man list that excluded the Real Madrid forward due to ACL and meniscus injuries. The injuries end any prospect of Rodrygo competing at what would have been his first senior World Cup.

Rodrygo Goes, known as Rodrygo, joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019 for €45 million at age 18. He became one of the club's key attacking players, known especially for decisive Champions League goals and his ability to play across the attacking line. In his early career at Real he developed alongside Vinícius Júnior and Éder Militão, another player ruled out of the 2026 squad.

At 24, Rodrygo's absence leaves a significant gap in Brazil's attacking options — he had been expected to combine with Vinicius Jr and the returning Neymar in Ancelotti's preferred front line. The injury timeline means recovery is possible for domestic club football by late 2026, but the World Cup, played June-July 2026, comes too soon.