Rodrygo ruled out of 2026 World Cup with ACL injury

Real Madrid have confirmed that Rodrygo has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

The 25-year-old was struggling with pain in his right knee at the end of Los Blancos' defeat to Getafe on Monday, which was his first appearance in all competitions since February 1 due to injury and suspension.

Rodrygo will now miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with Madrid still fighting for LaLiga and the Champions League, while he has also been ruled out for Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign.

He made five appearances at the 2022 edition of the tournament, but will not play a part in Carlo Ancelotti's squad this summer.

Madrid released a statement on Tuesday that said: "Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right leg."

Rodrygo has registered eight direct goal involvements (three goals, five assists) in 30 games across all competitions for Madrid this season (including the Club World Cup).

While struggling with injuries, Rodrygo also found himself out of favour with former boss Xabi Alonso at the start of the campaign, starting just 11 games in 2025-26.

Along with missing the final 12 LaLiga games of the season, with Madrid four behind leaders Barcelona, Rodrygo will also miss their Champions League last-16 clash against Manchester City.

Brazil, meanwhile, will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in the group stage of the World Cup, hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since 2002.