Injured Arsenal player makes Netherlands World Cup squad as Koeman names team
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One of the surprise inclusions is Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Netherlands.
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has named injured Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber in his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in a selection dominated by players from the English Premier League.
Despite not featuring for Arsenal since March due to an ankle injury, Timber has retained Koeman’s confidence and secured a place in the Dutch squad, highlighting the manager’s faith in the versatile defender ahead of the tournament.
The Netherlands squad features 15 players currently plying their trade in the Premier League, underlining the growing influence of England’s top flight on the national team setup.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headlines the squad alongside club teammates Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo, while Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven and Chelsea youngster Jorrel Hato also make the cut.
However, Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong was notably omitted from the squad despite an impressive club campaign.
Koeman’s defensive selections are especially Premier League-heavy, with six of the seven defenders chosen playing in England. Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries is the only defender selected from outside the Premier League.
Brighton & Hove Albion are strongly represented with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, defender Jan Paul van Hecke and midfielder Mats Wieffer all included. Manchester City duo Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders also earned call-ups.
One of the surprise inclusions is Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Netherlands. He joins Verbruggen and Bayer Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken in the goalkeeping department.
In attack, Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey, Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert and West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville are among the Premier League-based forwards selected.
The Dutch squad also includes experienced names such as Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst as Koeman aims to guide the Netherlands to a strong World Cup campaign.
Netherlands World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
Defenders
Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Noah Lang (Galatasaray), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Forwards
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
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