Matthijs 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.

De verdediger van Manchester United kwakkelt al tijden met een rugblessure en is nu geopereerd. Vanwege zijn herstelperiode mist hij het WK voetbal.

De Ligt’s mysterious absence has been hanging over the second half of Manchester United’s season.