Marcelo Flores will miss the biggest tournament of his career after suffering a devastating knee injury just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 22-year-old midfielder from Georgetown ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee while playing for Tigres UANL during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Toluca on Saturday. The injury occurred on a non-contact play late in the match, with Flores leaving the field in tears after immediately realizing the seriousness of the setback.

The injury means Flores will be unavailable for Canada’s World Cup campaign despite being named to coach Jesse Marsch’s 26-man roster just days earlier.

“These are difficult times,” Flores wrote on social media while thanking fans for their support. The young midfielder is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks and begin a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Marsch revealed he spoke with Flores shortly after the injury and invited him to remain around the Canadian squad during the tournament if he chooses. The coach has not yet announced who will replace Flores on the roster but must make a decision before Canada opens the World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.

Flores officially committed his international future to Canada earlier this year after previously representing Mexico at the senior level. A product of Arsenal FC’s academy system, he later played in Spain before joining Tigres in 2023.

For a player who had worked years to earn his place on football’s biggest stage, the timing is heartbreaking. While Canada prepares to co-host the World Cup, Flores will now focus on recovery with hopes of returning stronger for the next chapter of his international career.