Tariq Lamptey set to miss 2026 World Cup

Ghana defender Tariq Lamptey is set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after leaving ACF Fiorentina following the mutual termination of his contract.

The 25-year-old suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee in September, just weeks after joining the Italian side from Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

Lamptey made only two appearances for Fiorentina before the injury setback, both coming as substitute appearances against SSC Napoli and Como 1907.

The Ghana international sustained the ACL injury during the match against Como on September 21 and failed to return to action afterwards, managing just 25 minutes for the club.

Fiorentina had earlier described the injury as a “complex medical situation”.

The decision to terminate Lamptey’s contract is now seen as a clear indication that the defender is unlikely to recover in time for the World Cup in North America next month.

Lamptey has struggled with injury problems throughout his career since emerging at Chelsea FC before his move to Brighton in 2020.

The right-back has made 11 appearances for the Ghana national football team, although his last outing for the Black Stars came in October 2024.

Ghana has been drawn alongside the Panama national football team, the England national football team, and the Croatia national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.