Netherlands Receive Crushing Injury Update Ahead of World Cup
We are less than a month away from the ball rolling and the 2026 FIFA World Cup beginning.
However, during the weeks leading up to the tournament, players are "afraid" of one thing: getting injured and being unable to participate in the most prestigious competition in soccer.
That is exactly what happened to two USMNT stars, as well as several other crucial players for their national teams.
On the other side of the world, the Netherlands has just suffered devastating news, as Fabrizio Romano confirmed that one of its young stars won't be available to compete in the World Cup this June.
Matthijs de Ligt ruled out of the World Cup.
As mentioned by the well-known journalist and transfer market expert, Matthijs de Ligt will miss the World Cup after undergoing back surgery.
Reacting to the news, the Manchester United player shared on social media his disappointment at being unable to support his club over the past six months and expressed his heartbreak at missing the opportunity to represent his national team.
"After six months of treatment, working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left. I'm disappointed I couldn't help the team for the last 6 months. I'm obviously missing out on the World Cup, but I'm looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again!"
This season, Matthijs de Ligt played 14 matches, scoring one goal. However, the Dutch defender has not appeared in an official match since the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace FC on November 30, 2025.
It is a very tough blow for the Netherlands, but even more so for a young footballer who always delivered when it mattered most.
Because on top of that, the former Ajax captain was almost certainly part of Ronald Koeman's plans for the World Cup, as he has been a regular for the Netherlands ever since his breakout with the Dutch club.
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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 8:16 AM.