Ronald Koeman has made notable omissions in his Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup, including Manchester United-linked Kees Smit.
The 2026 World Cup is edging closer, and Manchester United will have a strong representation in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
To name a few: Kobbie Mainoo made the England squad, Senne Lammens was called up by Belgium, and Noussair Mazraoui will be representing Morocco.
The World Cup is another chance for United to watch transfer targets, though there are a few who have been left out of their national squads for the tournament.
Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad ❌🦁 did he deserve a spot on the plane?
Maguire has admitted he is "shocked and gutted". What are your thoughts on Tuchel's decision?😳
Kees Smit overlooked in Netherlands squad
Ronald Koeman has announced his 26-man Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Former United forward Memphis Depay recovered from a hamstring injury in time for the selection, but some of the biggest omissions include Jeremie Frimpong and Stefan de Vrij, as well as United-linked Kees Smit.
In March, Smit admitted he is likely to leave AZ Alkmaar this summer. That process may speed up now as a big move could bring a step closer to the national team selection.
The Dutch midfielder made 46 appearances for AZ Alkmaar this season, scoring five goals and registering 10 assists.
Sadly for Smit, it wasn’t enough to convince Koeman that he was worthy of a call-up to his first-ever World Cup.
Full Netherlands squad:
- Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen
- Defenders: Nathan Aké, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Jurriën Timber, Micky van de Ven, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer
- Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Justin Kluivert, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber
- Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst
Koeman’s side will begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14. They will also face Sweden and Tunisia in the group stages.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Manchester United target Kees Smith left out of the Netherlands squad
- Memphis Depay made the cut
- Matthijs de Ligt missed out due to injury
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Injury spoils Matthijs de Ligt’s 2026 World Cup dream
As expected, there was no room for Matthijs de Ligt in the Netherlands squad.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played for United since November 30, 2025, in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
De Ligt underwent surgery on a back injury towards the end of the season and is hoping to return to fitness in the early stages of the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.
The experienced United defender made two appearances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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