The French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, confirmed in a press statement to the media that Liverpool player Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 World Cup due to injury.

Deschamps said in his speech: "Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening during the Paris Saint-Germain match. Unfortunately, the severity of the injury will prevent him from continuing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup."

He added: "Hugo is one of the young players who recently joined the national team, and he has integrated perfectly within the group both on and off the field. This injury is a very harsh blow for him, and of course, also for the French national team."

He concluded: "His disappointment is very great, but I am confident that he will return to his best form. I would like to express my full support for him, as well as the support of the coaching staff. We know he will be supportive of the team, and we are all thinking of him."

The French star suffered an Achilles tendon injury during his team's match against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League yesterday, which will sideline him for up to 9 months.