Matthijs de Ligt. Image via: Getty ImagesMatthijs de Ligt will not play for the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending months of uncertainty around one of the country’s most experienced defenders. After trying to manage a lingering back problem without surgery, the Manchester United centre-back has now undergone an operation that will keep him sidelined into the early stages of next season. The timing leaves Ronald Koeman without a player who had quietly worked his way back into the national team picture before injuries brought everything to a stop.The news also lands at a difficult moment for both club and country. Manchester United had continued to offer hopeful updates throughout De Ligt’s rehabilitation, while interim boss Michael Carrick repeatedly avoided discussing surgery as a likely option. Behind the scenes, though, the recovery never truly progressed. A recent attempt to resume running sessions at Carrington reportedly failed to produce the response doctors were hoping for, and surgery ultimately became unavoidable.Will Matthijs de Ligt play for the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026?The answer is now clear, De Ligt will miss the tournament. Manchester United confirmed on Friday that the defender underwent successful back surgery after months of rehabilitation efforts failed to solve the issue.“Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury,” the club said in its statement. “Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action.”The Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14, but United do not expect De Ligt to return until the “early stages of the 2026-27 season.” That timeline effectively rules him out of the tournament and likely most of the club’s pre-season preparations as well.For De Ligt, the setback ends a frustrating chapter that started shortly after United’s win over Crystal Palace on November 30, the last time he appeared in a match. Before the injury, he had played every minute of the club’s opening 13 Premier League fixtures and looked settled in England following his move from FC Bayern Munich.Netherlands suffered another defensive setback before World CupDe Ligt addressed the situation himself with a message that reflected both disappointment and determination. “Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football,” he said.“After 6 months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left,” the Dutch defender later added on Instagram.His absence creates another problem for Ronald Koeman, who has already lost Xavi Simons to injury ahead of the tournament. While De Ligt had not always been a guaranteed starter in recent years, his form at Manchester United had restored his standing within the national setup. He even started the Netherlands’ 4-0 win over Lithuania late last year before his season unraveled.“I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team the last 6 months and obviously missing out on the World Cup,” De Ligt admitted.It’s a massive blow for the nation as they prepare to get into the competition.