Hugo Ekitike ruled out of World Cup after suffering serious injury in Liverpool defeat

Liverpool and France national football team forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a serious injury during his side’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, national team coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old forward was forced off in the first half of Liverpool’s 2–0 quarter-final second-leg loss on Tuesday after collapsing while clutching his lower right leg, with initial reports suggesting a ruptured Achilles tendon.

In a statement released by the French Football Federation, Deschamps confirmed the extent of the setback.

“Unfortunately, the severity of Hugo’s injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup,” he said.

“This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team.

“I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff.”

Ekitike has enjoyed a productive debut campaign at Anfield since completing a £79 million move last summer, scoring 17 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.

Since earning his first international cap in a World Cup qualifier in September, the striker has become a regular figure in the French squad, registering two goals and one assist in eight appearances for Les Bleus.

His absence represents a significant setback for both club and country as France prepare for the 2026 World Cup.