FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Injury & Suspension Tracker: Balogun Banned for USA, Reece James Latest for England
From a red-card suspension in Seattle to fitness doubts in Mexico City and New Jersey, here's every team news update that could shape this week's Round of 16 matches.
USA vs Belgium (Monday, July 6) — Balogun Suspended
The USA go into their Round of 16 clash with Belgium without Folarin Balogun, who is suspended after picking up a red card in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun has scored three goals at this World Cup and has been Mauricio Pochettino's most reliable outlet up front, so his absence is a significant blow. Christian Pulisic is also managing a calf injury picked up against Paraguay in the group stage, though he is expected to be available in some capacity for the Belgium tie in Seattle.
England vs Mexico (Sunday, July 5) — Rice Available, James and Quansah Out
Reece James and Jarell Quansah remain unavailable for England's Round of 16 tie against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. James has been nursing a hamstring problem, while Quansah twisted his ankle in the final group-stage win over Panama. Declan Rice, who had been managing a back issue and nerve pain in his hamstring, sat out that Panama match as a precaution but returned to play a key role — deployed as an emergency right-back — in England's dramatic comeback win over DR Congo in the Round of 32. Rice is expected to be available against Mexico, giving Thomas Tuchel a full-strength midfield option for the altitude test at the Azteca.
Brazil vs Norway (Sunday, July 5) — Paquetá and Raphinha Out, Ryerson a Doubt
Brazil's injury list has grown heading into the Norway match. Lucas Paquetá was substituted at halftime of the win over Japan and is reportedly facing a tournament-ending injury, while Raphinha remains out. Both losses compound Brazil's pre-tournament blow of losing Rodrygo to an ACL tear. On the Norway side, right-back Julian Ryerson is a doubt with a thigh problem, though Maximilian Pedersen has filled in capably in that role during the knockout run so far.
Portugal vs Spain (Monday, July 6) — Watching the Fitness Sheets
Both Iberian rivals have carried knocks through the group stage — Spain dealt with hamstring concerns for Lamine Yamal and a calf injury that ruled out Ronald Araújo earlier in the tournament, while Portugal managed the availability of defender Rúben Dias in their opening matches. Team news for the quarterfinal-defining Dallas clash is expected to firm up closer to kickoff, and this page will be updated as confirmed team sheets are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Balogun is serving a suspension after receiving a red card during the USA's Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Yes — Rice managed a back and hamstring issue earlier in the group stage but played through England's Round of 32 win over DR Congo and is expected to be available for the Mexico match.
No — Paquetá was withdrawn at halftime against Japan and is reportedly facing a tournament-ending injury.