Spain faces a major concern over Samu Aghehowa’s fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup after the FC Porto forward suffered a serious knee injury.
The Spanish international was forced off during Porto’s 1-1 draw with Sporting Portugal in the Primeira Liga, with the Portuguese club confirming that Aghehowa sustained a “sprained right knee with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.”
The injury casts doubt over both his club season and his participation in the global tournament.
Further medical evaluations are scheduled in the coming days to assess the severity of the damage and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
While definitive timelines are yet to be confirmed, reports from Portuguese and Spanish media outlets are already bleak.
According to Record and Marca, the striker’s season is expected to be over, potentially ending his hopes of representing Spain at the World Cup in June 2026.
Aghehowa, who previously played for Atletico Madrid, has been one of Spain’s promising attacking talents, and his absence would be a significant blow to the national team.
His form with Porto this season had shown continued development, and he had been considered a key option for Spain’s squad selection ahead of the tournament.
For FC Porto, the injury also represents a significant loss. The club will now need to adjust its attacking options as it continues to compete domestically and in European competitions.
Aghehowa’s absence could leave a gap in the squad during a critical period of the season.
Spain will now have to monitor his recovery closely. With just five months remaining until the World Cup, medical staff and coaches will be hoping for the best but preparing for the possibility that Aghehowa may miss the tournament.
The injury underscores the fine margins that can affect players’ participation in major competitions and highlights the risks faced by top international talent in club football.
As Porto and Spain await further medical reports, the young striker’s future in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain, leaving fans and officials alike holding their breath.
🚨⚠️ OFFICIAL: Samu has torn his ACL, FC Porto statement confirm.
The striker will be out for the rest of the season, expected to miss the World Cup as well. pic.twitter.com/tUNpzVs6bU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2026
