Ronald Koeman named the Netherlands' 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 27, including star forward Memphis Depay and defender Jurrien Timber despite both facing injury concerns [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Depay, the Netherlands' all-time top scorer with 55 goals, has struggled with thigh and calf injuries and has only made two substitute appearances for Corinthians in the two months prior to the squad announcement [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Koeman said, "I selected Memphis because of who he still is. I don't see anyone else in that position who can do it. I believe he can be an asset, but he does have to get through the coming period well" [2]. The coach added, "We have two friendly matches. If he were where I think he needs to be, then he can start. If he is not, then he won't start. I know he can fill the role of backup as well." [2]
Jurrien Timber, who plays for Arsenal, recently returned to training after missing 14 matches due to a groin injury sustained in mid-March [1, 3, 5]. Koeman noted Timber's fitness is still being assessed: "We have Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida on the standby list for Timber. The situation with him is that he was supposed to train with Arsenal today, to assess for the weekend. They have the Champions League final on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit for that match." [2]
Justin Kluivert was also selected despite having knee surgery in January and limited playing time [1, 3, 5]. The squad includes uncapped players West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville and Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs [1, 5]. Koeman praised Summerville’s reliability saying, "Crysencio Summerville has speed, action, his play without the ball in defense. Very trustworthy." [5]
Notable absences include veteran defender Stefan de Vrij, omitted due to a thigh injury sustained late in the Serie A season [1, 5], and Liverpool fullback Jeremie Frimpong, left out reportedly due to recurring injury problems [1, 5]. Marten de Roon returns to the squad after two years away, having last played for the Netherlands two years ago; he had 42 caps before this recall [1, 3].
The Dutch team will play two warm-up friendlies ahead of the World Cup. They face Algeria on June 3 in Rotterdam and Uzbekistan on June 8 in New York [1, 2, 3, 4]. The Netherlands will compete in Group F at the World Cup alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia [5]. Their opening match is against Japan on June 14 in Dallas [2, 4, 5].
