Football: Hugo Ekitike, injured Achilles tendon, will not play in the 2026 World Cup

The player was injured on Tuesday night during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

Published on April 15, 2026 at 13:48, Updated on April 15, 2026 at 20:55. Reading time: 1 minute.

French international striker at Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike, has suffered an Achilles tendon rupture and will not be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup with the French team, as reported by Radio France Sports Department learned from the player’s entourage on Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain (0-2), Hugo Ekitike was evacuated on a stretcher after injuring his leg. He immediately collapsed to the ground, holding his right ankle.

“The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup,” confirmed French coach Didier Deschamps on Wednesday evening in a statement to Radio France Sports Department. “This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French team,” he continued. “Hugo will regain his best level, I am convinced,” added Didier Deschamps.

Hugo Ekitike, 23, has eight caps for the French national team. The latest was on March 29 in the victory against Colombia (3-1) during the French team’s mini-tour in the United States.

Three days earlier, he scored his second goal in blue against Brazil (2-1 victory).