The Brazil national team has suffered a major setback after key defender Éder Militão was ruled likely to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a hamstring injury that required surgery.
According to reports, Militão sustained the injury during Real Madrid’s match against Alavés in April 2026, after clutching his left hamstring and being substituted early. MRI scans later confirmed the injury was serious and linked to a recurrence of a previous issue.
Surgery and recovery timeline
Medical teams from Real Madrid and Brazil have agreed that the player must undergo specialized surgery in Finland to properly address the problem and reduce the risk of further injury.
Reports indicate that:
- He is expected to be out for approximately 4 to 5 months
- He will miss the remainder of the club season
- His chances of featuring in the 2026 World Cup are now in serious doubt
Militão (28) is a key figure for both Brazil and Real Madrid, known for his defensive strength and versatility. His absence will force Brazil’s coach to make significant adjustments to the defensive line ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Injury history
This is not the first injury concern for the defender:
- He has previously suffered two major ACL (knee) injuries in past seasons
- He has dealt with recurring muscle injuries this season
- This pattern has raised concerns about his long-term fitness
