Brazil and Real Madrid defender Ruled Out of FIFA World Cup with Injury

Brazil's hopes of calling up Eder Militao for the 2026 World Cup have been dashed after Real Madrid confirmed the defender underwent hamstring surgery.

The 28-year-old, who played four times for Tite's side at the 2022 tournament before their quarter-final exit to Croatia, now faces a lengthy recovery that rules him out of this summer's event.

Militao limped off during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory against Alaves on April 21, dealing with a recurrence of the hamstring issue he first suffered in December versus Celta Vigo. That earlier injury sidelined him for four months, and his injury-plagued season, limited to just 16 LaLiga appearances (14 starts)-has compounded problems from two major knee injuries over the past three years, restricting him to only 38 top-flight games for Los Blancos.

"Our player Eder Militao has successfully undergone surgery today for the rupture of the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris in his left leg," a club statement read.

"The operation was performed by Dr. Lasse Lempainen under the supervision of Real Madrid's Medical Services. Militao will begin his recovery work in the coming days."

The centre-back's absence leaves Carlo Ancelotti short on defensive options heading into the campaign's final stretch.