Dutch Defender Jurrien Timber Out of 2026 World Cup

Arsenal's Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 World Cup due to a groin injury. The Dutch FA announced his absence, impacting the Netherlands' Group F campaign. Timber, who played in Arsenal's Champions League final, will be replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida in the squad.

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is set to miss the 2026 World Cup after failing to recover from a lingering groin injury, as confirmed by the Dutch Football Association on Monday.

The 24-year-old's absence is a significant blow for the Netherlands, who are preparing for their Group F matches against Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia in North America.

Timber's injury woes were evident during the latter part of Arsenal's successful Premier League campaign and were further highlighted when he played 54 minutes in the Champions League final loss to Paris St Germain. His spot in Ronald Koeman's squad will now be filled by Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, disrupting the Netherlands’ defensive strategy just days before their opener against Japan in Dallas.