Spain’s build-up to the 2026 World Cup has suffered a major setback after striker Samu Aghehowa picked up a serious injury. The Porto forward has netted 20 goals in all competitions this season and appeared certain to earn a place in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the summer tournament. However, an unfortunate ACL injury has now severely damaged his chances.
Huge setback for Aghehowa
Aghehowa was taken off at half-time during Porto’s league showdown with Sporting CP on Monday evening, a match that finished 1-1. The club confirmed the following day that the striker had sustained a knee sprain along with damage to his anterior cruciate ligament. Reports suggest the ligament has been torn, leaving him facing a long recovery period away from the pitch.
Porto confirm the injury
In an official statement, Porto said: “Samu, who was replaced at half-time in the game against Sporting (1-1), suffered a sprain to his right knee with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Spanish international will undergo further assessment by FC Porto’s medical staff in the coming days.”
World Cup hopes fading for Samu
Although there is a small chance that Samu could return before the World Cup kicks off on June 11, the more realistic scenario is a lengthy absence of close to a year. This would almost certainly eliminate him from Spain’s plans for the tournament. The 21-year-old has scored 47 goals in 77 matches for Porto and, while not a guaranteed starter, would have provided valuable depth for La Roja in North America.
Spain must look at other options
The European champions will now need to rethink their plans for the reserve striker position. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal has led the line during World Cup qualifying and the 2025 Nations League campaign. De la Fuente has limited alternatives in strong form, with experienced Alvaro Morata, along with Celta Vigo’s Borja Iglesias and Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos, among the available choices.
