Ekitike to miss world cup after injury

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

French striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after rupturing his Achilles tendon, an injury that is expected to sideline him for an extended period.

The Liverpool FC forward suffered the injury during his side’s 2–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final in the 2025–26 season.

Liverpool were eliminated 4–0 on aggregate, with the setback compounded when Ekitike went down injured in the 22nd minute. He was stretchered off and unable to continue.

The 23-year-old is now set to miss the tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

France have been drawn in Group I alongside Iraq, Senegal, and Norway, and will begin their campaign looking to build on recent tournament success, having won the 2018 World Cup.

Ekitike joined Liverpool from German side Eintracht Frankfurt in a high-profile transfer and has enjoyed a strong debut season, registering 17 goals and six assists in 45 appearances in all competitions.

His absence is a significant blow for both club and country, with Liverpool losing a key attacking option during the decisive stages of their league campaign.