Argentine defender Juan Foyth faces a prolonged recovery after suffering a rupture of the left Achilles tendon during Villarreal’s match against Real Madrid on Saturday, an injury almost certain to rule him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup beginning in June.
The 28-year-old club captain underwent successful surgery on Monday, but his season is over and his participation in the global tournament is in grave doubt.
The devastating injury occurred in the 23rd minute of Villarreal’s 2-0 home defeat. Video replays showed the defender experiencing significant discomfort without any contact from an opponent while turning and landing awkwardly on his foot.
He immediately signaled for medical assistance and was substituted to a supportive ovation from the Estadio de la Cerámica crowd.
In a formal statement on Sunday, Villarreal CF confirmed the severity of the injury, saying, “After the tests carried out by Villarreal CF’s medical services, it is confirmed that Juan Foyth suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon” and indicated they would soon provide details on the required surgical procedure.
The club confirmed the subsequent operation, which was performed by doctors Mikel Sánchez and Antonio Maestro at the MiKS Hospital in Vitoria under the supervision of the club’s medical team.
For both club and country, the timing could not be worse. Recovery from a complete Achilles rupture typically requires six months to a full year, placing Foyth’s return date anywhere from late July to early 2026, squarely during or after the World Cup, which kicks off in June.
This effectively ends his season with the Yellow Submarine, which finds itself in a defensive crisis, and casts serious doubt on his availability for Argentina’s title defense.
The injury represents a cruel blow for Foyth, who has been a mainstay for both Villarreal and the Argentine national team. Having recently signed a contract extension tying him to the Spanish club until 2029, he has been troubled by long-term knee and shoulder injuries in the past.
While Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni had regularly called upon Foyth in recent international windows, the extended rehabilitation period makes it highly unlikely he will be selected for the World Cup squad.
The injury not only reshapes the planning for the reigning world champions but also leaves a significant void in the heart of the Villarreal defense as they navigate the remainder of a challenging season.