Netherlands national team coach Ronald Koeman announced the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, with Memphis Depay and Jurrien Timber both included despite fitness concerns. The 32-year-old Depay, who holds the record for most goals for the Dutch national team with 55, has been struggling with thigh and calf injuries. He has only made two substitute appearances for Brazilian club Corinthians in the past two months.
Timber's Return to Fitness
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, 24, was also selected after returning to training this week ahead of Saturday's Champions League final. He was forced off during a match against Everton in mid-March and subsequently missed Arsenal's last 14 games in all competitions due to a groin problem.
Justin Kluivert has also been given a vote of confidence despite undergoing knee surgery in January. He has only made two substitute appearances for Bournemouth since completing his rehabilitation. Kluivert was among the first players to report for training at the Dutch camp in Zeist on Monday, along with Noa Lang, who has recovered from a finger injury suffered during the Champions League.
New Faces and Surprises
West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville and Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs are both uncapped, while midfielder Marten de Roon makes a surprise return after winning the last of his 42 caps two years ago. However, there was no place for veteran center back Stefan de Vrij due to a thigh injury sustained in Inter Milan's last Serie A match, nor for Liverpool full back Jeremie Frimpong.
The Netherlands will play World Cup warm-up games against Algeria in Rotterdam on June 3 and Uzbekistan in New York on June 8 before heading to the tournament.
Full Squad
- Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Guus Til (PSV Eindhoven), Quinten Timber (Olympique de Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax Amsterdam)
