Ankle Injuries Shaped the World Cup Knockout Rounds
- Jul 30
- 1 min read
Three notable foot and ankle injuries struck during the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, each with real consequences.
Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany) suffered a high-ankle sprain in the group stage and didn't play another minute, a significant blow to Germany's defensive core.
Jurrien Timber (Netherlands) went down mid-tournament and was confirmed out, further depleting a Dutch backline already stretched thin.
Kylian Mbappé (France) rolled his ankle in the quarterfinal against Morocco but played through it into the semifinals.
The context
Ankle sprains are the most common injury in elite football. The potential to be tournament-ending is routinely underestimated, but it is now in the spotlight following the much-watched tournament in this 23rd edition of the men’s soccer tournament.
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