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The Netherlands head coach, Ronald Koeman, has named his 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Some high-profile stars will not be part of his squad.
Frimpong excluded from the squad
One of the most high-profile omissions is Liverpool full-back Jeremie Frimpong. The 25-year-old has struggled to find form this season under compatriot Arne Slot at the Premier League giants.
Frimpong made just 12 starts in the English top-flight, plus nine substitute appearances in his derby campaign on Merseyside after a big-money move from Germany outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025.
He struggled for form, but his campaign was hampered by niggling injuries, such as a hamstring issue. Despite his struggles at club level, his omission from the squad is something of a surprise.
Ronald Koeman has decided to select Inter’s Denzel Dumfries and Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber as his right-back options. Both players have been part of domestic title-winning teams.
Timber could also be part of a Champions League-winning team, as Arsenal face European champions PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday evening. However, the defender is a doubt for the final due to injury.
Joshua Zirkzee also misses out
Another high-profile Premier League absentee is Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bologna forward has struggled for first-team football this season, starting just two top-flight matches and coming off the substitutes’ bench 19 times, scoring just two goals in the process.
In fact, the 24-year-old hasn’t started a game for United in the calendar year. The lack of minutes for his club will be a big factor in Zirkzee’s omission from the squad.
The Netherlands does have some stellar attacking talent in their squad, including the Oranje’s all-time record goalscorer, Memphis Depay, who will feature in his fourth World Cup, although he is a fitness doubt.
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Another attacking option for the Netherlands is Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert, despite a struggle for first-team football and some underwhelming form.
The 27-year-old will hope to emulate his dad, Patrick, by featuring at a World Cup. Patrick Kluivert played for the Oranje at the 1998 World Cup in France.