Jurrien Timber Out of 2026 World Cup for Netherlands Due to Injury

The Netherlands national football team faces a significant setback as versatile defender Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal player will not be able to participate in the tournament, which is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, due to complications from a groin injury.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed Timber's absence on Monday, June 8, 2026, via the official OnsOranje account. The statement indicated that "Jurrien Timber has not made sufficient progress to participate in the tournament in a medically responsible manner." This decision comes after months of the injury hindering the 24-year-old's full recovery.

Timber's unavailability is a considerable blow to head coach Ronald Koeman, who is in the process of finalizing his squad for the competition. The Netherlands has been drawn into Group F alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. Despite his injury concerns, Timber had attempted to finish the season with Arsenal, even playing 54 minutes in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. However, the medical team deemed him unfit for the high intensity of a World Cup tournament.

To address Timber's absence, Koeman has called up Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida to the squad. Geertruida is expected to bolster the Dutch defense, bringing depth and flexibility as he can play multiple positions across the backline. The Dutch team is scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Japan in Dallas on Monday, June 15, 2026, followed by matches against Sweden and Tunisia.

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Jurrien Timber has not made sufficient progress to participate in the tournament in a medically responsible manner.