Ronald Koeman has announced the final 26-player Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup. The squad sees several players with connections to Serie A prominently featured, while Stefan de Vrij’s omission has been confirmed.
A significant piece of news is the recovery of Memphis Depay from a muscular injury that had jeopardized his participation. The Netherlands’ all-time top scorer will lead the attack alongside Roma’s Donyell Malen, who has earned a spot after a remarkable season and a transformative impact at the Stadio Olimpico.
Inter’s Denzel Dumfries also makes the cut, despite his uncertain club future with his release clause active this summer. Atalanta’s Marten de Roon makes a welcome return to the national setup after an absence since March 2024. Juventus’s Teun Koopmeiners also secured a place in the squad despite a challenging season in Turin.
De Vrij’s exclusion and Joey Veerman’s snub are the major talking points of Koeman’s World Cup selections. De Vrij’s absence might be influenced by his uncertain club future, with his contract set to expire this summer. Equally controversial is the absence of PSV midfielder Joey Veerman, who had publicly clashed with the national team coach recently.
Jerdy Schouten and Xavi Simons are out due to injury. Justin Kluivert has been recalled to fill the creative void left by Simons’ anterior cruciate ligament damage. Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber has been included despite ongoing fitness concerns.
Full Netherlands World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Flekken, Roefs, Verbruggen.
Defenders: Aké, Botman, Dumfries, Hato, Timber, Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Wieffer.
Midfielders: De Jong, De Roon, Gravenberch, Kluivert, Koopmeiners, Reijnders, Til, Q. Timber.
Forwards: Brobbey, Depay, Gakpo, Lang, Malen, Summerville, Weghorst.
