Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has been officially ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after undergoing surgery on a recurring hamstring injury. The club confirmed on Wednesday that the Brazilian center-back had a successful operation on the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris in his left leg. The procedure, performed by Dr. Lasse Lempainen, means Militao faces an extended period on the sidelines, with his absence also expected to stretch into the start of the 2026-27 club season.
According to reports from Marca, the surgery was required after a previous puncture in the same hamstring reopened. Militao initially suffered the injury during a match against Alaves last week, which had already ended his current campaign. This latest setback compounds a severe injury crisis for Real Madrid, who recently lost forward Rodrygo Goes to a torn ACL. Both players are now set to miss Brazil's World Cup campaign this summer.
Militao, 28, has endured a fragmented season, having already missed four months earlier in the campaign due to a separate issue with the same hamstring. His latest injury occurred just as he was re-establishing himself in Carlo Ancelotti's starting lineup. The defender's absence leaves a significant void in the heart of Real Madrid's defense, which has been plagued by fitness problems over the past two to three seasons.
The club's medical statement indicated that Militao will begin his rehabilitation process in the coming days. While no official timeline has been provided, sources suggest a recovery period of at least three to four months is expected. This would see the defender miss the entirety of Real Madrid's pre-season and likely the opening weeks of the next La Liga season, which is scheduled to begin in August.
For Brazil, the loss of Militao is a major blow to their defensive preparations for the World Cup. He has been a consistent starter for the national team when fit, forming a key part of their backline. His absence, coupled with Rodrygo's, significantly weakens the Selecao's options as they aim to challenge for the trophy in North America.
Real Madrid must now plan for the new season without one of their first-choice defenders. The extended layoff raises immediate questions about the club's transfer strategy for the summer window, with central defense potentially requiring reinforcement. Militao's prolonged recovery also places increased responsibility on the remaining fit defenders, such as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, who have also faced their own injury concerns this season.
