Hugo Ekitike has been officially ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during the match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. The injury, which had been feared since he was stretchered off, has now been confirmed, dealing a major blow to both the player and the French national team ahead of the global tournament.
The severity of the injury still needs to be fully determined, as it remains unclear whether the rupture is partial or complete. In the middle of this worrying situation, Hugo Ekitike now faces a long recovery process that could keep him sidelined for several months, with some reports suggesting he may not return to competition before the end of 2026. Initial medical examinations carried out immediately after the match had already pointed toward the worst-case scenario.
Further tests are expected to confirm the exact timeline of his rehabilitation, but his absence from the World Cup is now beyond doubt. This setback represents a significant loss for France, as the young striker was seen as an important attacking option for the competition.
As things stand, the focus shifts to his recovery, with hopes that he can return to top form after this serious injury, marking a painful chapter in the career of Hugo Ekitike.