Memphis Depay, Jurrien Timber make Koeman’s World Cup squad as De Vrij is ruled out

Memphis Depay and Jurrien Timber have been included in Ronald Koeman's Oranje squad for next month’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The KNVB has announced a final selection of 26 players. Marten de Roon and Guus Til were the more surprising inclusions in the squad.

Timber has been named in the squad despite still recovering from a groin injury, with the Arsenal defender nearing full fitness. Memphis Depay is also included in the squad. The former PSV striker returned to action for Corinthians this week after a period out with injury. “I still think Depay can contribute, but he needs to come through the next period in good shape," Koeman said in a press conference after the squad was announced.

De Roon, now 35, last appeared for Oranje in March 2024, earning his 42nd cap. He missed the subsequent European Championship in Germany because of injury. Following the tournament, coach Ronald Koeman stopped selecting him as part of a broader effort to refresh and rebuild the national team.

After being named in the squad, De Roon joked on social media that he had originally been preparing to travel to the World Cup as a fan. On Instagram, the experienced midfielder asked his followers whether an “Oranje bus seat” could be cancelled free of charge. He also shared a WhatsApp exchange with Koeman, in which the coach asked if he had already booked his holiday. “Yes, but I might be able to adjust it,” De Roon replied. The midfielder also posted screenshots of a KLM flight to Dallas, where the Netherlands open their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14.

The injuries to Jerdy Schouten and Joey Veerman, whom Koeman no longer considers part of his plans, created vacancies in midfield. In response, the coach also called up Guus Til alongside De Roon. The 28-year-old PSV midfielder has six international appearances to his name, with his most recent cap coming in October 2024. The absence of Xavi Simons due to injury further reduced Koeman’s options in attacking midfield.

Stefan de Vrij will miss the World Cup after picking up an injury during a Serie A match for Internazionale on Saturday. The 34-year-old defender has not recovered in time to join the squad.

De Vrij becomes the fourth player ruled out of the World Cup through injury. Earlier, it was confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten, and Xavi Simons are also unavailable for the tournament due to fitness issues.

Jeremie Frimpong has been left out of the squad after a season marked by inconsistency and recurring injuries. Mats Wieffer has been recalled to the Netherlands squad after a year out of the national team. His most recent appearance came in last year’s 8–0 World Cup qualifier victory over Malta.

Crysencio Summerville has been called up to the national team squad for the first time. The West Ham United attacker was set to join the group during the March international break but had to withdraw due to injury.

AZ’s Kees Smit and Feyenoord’s Luciano Valente trained with the Netherlands squad in Zeist earlier this week, but neither player, like Jeremie Frimpong, was included in the final selection. "“I’ve personally spoken to all of them via FaceTime, and I spoke to Valente here on the training pitch. I especially thought it made sense to call Frimpong. Still, I do feel we spend a lot of time explaining decisions in the Netherlands," Koeman said about the omissions.

The national team manager also discussed his hopes for the tournament. “We’re in it to win, but I understand the reality and what other nations are capable of. Nothing is out of reach, and that’s our goal. I believe we can go a long way.”

Koeman's squad includes just two players from Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV. This is the fewest ever at an international tournament for the national side. Opta has stated that all previous World Cup squads had at least six players from the traditional top three.

Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida remain in contention for a World Cup spot after being placed on a standby list, Koeman confirmed during the press conference on Wednesday.

Maatsen and Geertruida have been placed on the standby list due to continued uncertainty over Timber’s fitness. “I understand he was expected to resume group training with Arsenal today,” Koeman said.

The full squad is as follows:

Keepers

• Bart Verbruggen
• Mark Flekken

• Robin Roefs

  Defenders

• Virgil van Dijk
• Jan Paul van Hecke
• Jurrien Timber
• Denzel Dumfries
• Nathan Ake
• Jorrel Hato

• Micky van de Ven

  Midfielders

• Mats Wieffer
• Guus Til
• Frenkie de Jong
• Tijjani Reijnders
• Ryan Gravenberch
• Justin Kluivert
• Teun Koopmeiners
• Marten de Roon

• Quinten Timber

  Forwards

• Memphis Depay
• Wout Weghorst
• Donyell Malen
• Cody Gakpo
• Crysencio Summerville
• Brian Brobbey

• Noa Lang