Xavi Simons Out of 2026 World Cup After ACL Injury – Another Star Sidelined
Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons will miss the 2026 World Cup after tearing his ACL in Tottenham's match against Wolverhampton on April 25, joining other top stars sidelined by serious injuries ahead of the tournament.
Xavi Simons, playmaker for Tottenham Hotspur and the Dutch national team, has confirmed he will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a torn right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The 23-year-old was injured during Tottenham's 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton on April 25. Initial reports indicated the ACL injury would sideline him for 7-8 months. Simons posted a statement confirming his World Cup absence, saying: "Life is cruel, and today it really is. My season has ended abruptly and I'm trying to understand it. To be honest, I'm devastated. Nothing makes sense. All I wanted to do was fight for my team, and now that ability has been taken from me, along with the World Cup." Simons has been a key player for Spurs this season, and his absence will impact the club's fight to avoid relegation in the final four matches. This follows other high-profile injuries ruling out stars like Liverpool striker Ugo Ekitike of France and Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry of Germany from this World Cup cycle.
