De Ligt Ruled Out of World Cup After Surgery
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt will miss the Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup campaign after undergoing successful back surgery to correct an injury that has kept him sidelined since November 2025.
The Dutch international, who had been one of United’s standout performers at the start of the season, is not expected to return to action until the early stages of next season, effectively ending any realistic hope of featuring for his country at the tournament.
Manchester United confirmed the procedure in an official statement released on Friday. “Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury,” the club said. “Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action.”
De Ligt had made a strong impression at Old Trafford before the setback, playing every minute of United’s first 13 Premier League fixtures of the current campaign. The surgery marks a significant blow both for club and country, coming at a time when the Netherlands will be counting on experienced defensive leadership at the World Cup.
The 25 year old centre back, formerly of Juventus and Bayern Munich, broke his silence on the injury, expressing determination to return. “Since November, I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football,” he said.
“I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.”
De Ligt joined Manchester United in the summer of 2024 and had positioned himself as a key figure in the club’s defensive rebuild before the injury disrupted his momentum.
The Netherlands had qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the UEFA qualifying campaign, with De Ligt having featured during the qualification stages, including a Group G matchday fixture against Lithuania at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam in November 2025.
His absence will test the depth of the Dutch defensive options available to the national team coaching staff ahead of the tournament.