Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 World Cup after failing to recover fully from a groin injury.
The Netherlands have been dealt a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after confirming that defender Jurrien Timber will miss the tournament due to a persistent groin injury.
Timber’s fitness had been a source of concern for several months after he sustained the injury during Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Everton on March 14. The versatile defender spent weeks on the sidelines and faced a race against time to recover before the World Cup.
There was optimism surrounding his condition after he returned to action for Arsenal in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. Although he was not fit enough to start, Timber came off the bench shortly after the hour mark and appeared to have taken a significant step towards recovery.
However, the Netherlands medical staff have now concluded that participating in the World Cup would present too great a risk. After further assessments and consultations, it was decided that the 24-year-old has not recovered sufficiently to compete at the tournament.
In an official statement, the Dutch Football Association confirmed that Timber would leave the national team’s pre-World Cup training camp. The statement explained that the defender’s recovery had not progressed enough for him to take part in the competition in a medically responsible manner.
Jurriën Timber misses the 2026 World Cup.
The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner. In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the… pic.twitter.com/r6Wu8FRCfP
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 8, 2026
Timber’s absence will be a significant loss for Ronald Koeman’s side. The Arsenal star played an important role during the qualification campaign, featuring in five matches, and also represented the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. His versatility, ability to play across the backline, and composure in possession made him one of the squad’s most valuable defensive options.
To fill the vacancy, the Netherlands have called up Lutsharel Geertruida. The Sunderland defender will now have the opportunity to step into the squad and potentially play a key role as the Dutch aim to make a deep run in the tournament.
The injury comes at a frustrating time for both Timber and the Netherlands. The Dutch will be making their 12th World Cup appearance and remain one of the strongest nations never to have won the competition despite reaching three finals in 1974, 1978, and 2010.
Ronald Koeman’s team begin their campaign on June 14 against Japan before taking on Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage, but they will now have to pursue their World Cup ambitions without one of their most important defenders.
