Matthijs de Ligt ruled out of 2026 World Cup after back surgery

Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who plays for Manchester United, has undergone successful back surgery and will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After six months of treatment and unsuccessful rehabilitation, de Ligt posted on Instagram, “After 6 months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left. I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team the last 6 months and obviously missing out on the World Cup but I am looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans.”

Manchester United confirmed the procedure was necessary for his long‑term fitness and said he will be unavailable for the remainder of the season, with a return expected in the early stages of the 2026‑27 campaign. De Ligt has not featured since a November 30 victory over Crystal Palace. His absence leaves the Netherlands, who open Group F against Japan on 14 June, without a key centre‑back, and United must rely on other defenders for the final fixtures.