Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, October 31, 2025, 2:47 p.m. / Updated Friday, October 31, 2025, 2:48 p.m.
Kevin De Bruyne (34 years old) was seriously injured in the match played by Napoli against Inter. He left the field due to a muscle tear in his right thigh.
The Belgian's operation was a success, but he could miss the 2026 World Championship due to recovery.
Participation in the World Championship, in danger
Napoli's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could miss the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA and Canada, with a muscle tear in his right thigh, according to the English daily The Sun. Although he would return to the field in February 2026, participation in the World Cup is not certain.
The Italian champions player is worried that the current season could end prematurely for him. This news comes just days after it was announced that the Belgian had undergone a successful operation in his home country and is already on the mend. De Bruyne should be out until at least February 2026.
This would also be the best time for the footballer to return to the field, given that he would have four full months to recover his competitive form before the start of the World Cup finals in North America. After six matches played in the World Cup qualifiers, the Belgian national team has 14 points and is in first place in Group J. The Belgians have two more matches before the end of the group stage, and the first of them could secure their early qualification.
photo: Kevin De Bruyne left the match with Inter injured / Imago Images
In 2023, the midfielder underwent surgery in the same place. At that time, the recovery period lasted four months.
De Bruyne has already left Italy to return to Belgium with his family to begin his recovery.
Belgium, at the World Championship
The 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and Belgium can confirm qualification if they beat Kazakhstan in November. The national team is seen as one of the teams considered capable of going as far as possible in the competition.
The Belgians have participated in the last three editions of the World Championship.
photo: De Bruyne in duel with Mbappe at the 2018 World Cup / Imago Images
