Fitness races over Saibari and Reece James as the World Cup quarter-finals near

The World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are almost set, and with three of the four ties locked in, the fitness bulletins coming out of the camps are proving as gripping as the fixtures. Two of the biggest names in the last eight are racing the clock, and at this stage of a tournament a treatment table can shape a tie as much as any tactical plan.

Morocco and France both sweating on midfielders

The pick of the round, France against Morocco in Boston on July 9, has fitness clouds over both camps. Morocco lost Ismael Saibari inside the opening half-hour of their last-16 win over Canada, the Bayern Munich midfielder pulling up with a thigh problem. He travelled with the squad and was sent for scans, but he is a major doubt, and Morocco have said they will leave the call as late as they can. Chadi Riad, who hurt his knee against the Netherlands and sat out the Canada game, is a second question mark at the back.

France are not sitting comfortably either. Aurelien Tchouameni missed the round-of-16 win over Paraguay with a thigh issue of his own and is now in a race to be ready for Morocco. Two of the tie’s most influential midfielders could both end up watching it.

England chasing Reece James back to fitness

Norway against England in Miami on July 11 carries its own worry for Thomas Tuchel. Reece James, England’s first-choice right-back, has not played since picking up a hamstring injury in the group draw with Ghana and remains a major doubt, though England are pushing to have him available in some form. Ezri Konsa filled in at right-back during the dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico and is the likeliest stand-in if James does not make it.

England have already lost Jordan Henderson for the rest of the tournament in freak circumstances. The midfielder broke his arm after landing awkwardly while hopping over the advertising hoardings to celebrate the winner at the Azteca, and remains in hospital in Mexico facing possible surgery.

Spain in better shape, one tie still to be settled

Spain go into their quarter-final with Belgium on July 10 looking in healthier shape than most, with Lamine Yamal back to full fitness. Belgium, fresh off a 4-1 dismantling of the United States, arrive with momentum rather than a casualty list.

The fourth quarter-final is still to be decided. Argentina meet Egypt and Switzerland face Colombia in the last of the round-of-16 ties, and the two winners meet on July 12. Whoever comes through gets a few extra days to prepare and, on the evidence of the other three ties, a better chance of keeping a full squad on the pitch than their rivals.

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