World Cup 2026 — April 26 Bulletin: Estêvão Injury Crisis, Militão Update, VAR Revolution & Prestianni Ban

Today's World Cup Central covers four breaking stories shaping the 2026 tournament picture with just 47 days until kick-off.

Estêvão Willian — Grade 4 Hamstring Tear

Brazil and Chelsea winger Estêvão Willian suffered a Grade 4 hamstring tear against Manchester United on April 18. Chelsea have given no recovery timeline, putting the 18-year-old sensation's World Cup participation in serious doubt. 1

Militão — Hamstring Worse Than Reported

Initial assessments suggested Éder Militão was likely to be fit for the tournament. New reports now indicate the Real Madrid defender's hamstring damage is significantly worse than first diagnosed, making his World Cup place genuinely uncertain. 2 3

VAR 2026 — Expanded Powers Confirmed

FIFA and IFAB have confirmed expanded VAR authority for the 2026 World Cup. Officials can now use video review to overturn wrongly-awarded corner kicks and, crucially, to reassess second yellow cards resulting in red cards. A direct response to UEFA president Čeferin's declaration of a systemic VAR crisis last week. 4

Prestianni — Six-Match Ban, WC Group Stage at Risk

Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni has received a six-match UEFA suspension for homophobic conduct directed at Vinicius Júnior. Three matches take immediate effect. Should FIFA extend the ban to international fixtures — which is considered highly likely — Prestianni could be absent for Argentina's entire group stage. 5 6