Netherlands World Cup Squad: Premier League Stars Dominate, Frimpong Out

The Netherlands have announced their 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, blending a backbone of established stars with a heavy Premier League flavor. Manager Ronald Koeman has opted for experience and familiarity, calling up captain Virgil van Dijk, midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong and forward Memphis Depay, but the headline news is the omission of Liverpool right-back Jeremie Frimpong. The Oranje will face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in Group G, and this selection provides a clear insight into Koeman’s tactical thinking.

Premier League Dominance

A striking feature of the squad is the overwhelming presence of players from English clubs. According to BBC Sport, 15 of the 26 selected ply their trade in the Premier League, underscoring the division’s influence on the Dutch national team. The defensive unit is particularly anglicized: six of the seven defenders named come from England’s top flight. Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has been included despite an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined since March, joining Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato. Manchester City duo Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders also make the cut, while Brighton provide a trio: goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, defender Jan Paul van Hecke and midfielder Mats Wieffer. The sole non-Premier League defender is Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries.

The midfield and attack are similarly stocked from England. Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch earns a first World Cup call-up, while club-mate Cody Gakpo adds versatility. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert and West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville offer wide options, and Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey—a somewhat surprising inclusion—completes the forward line. Even the goalkeeping department features a Premier League representative in Brighton’s Verbruggen, though he will compete with Bayer Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken and uncapped Sunderland stopper Robin Roefs.

The Frimpong Surprise

The most talked-about aspect of the squad is the absence of Jeremie Frimpong. The Liverpool right-back has been a dynamic force at club level, but as noted by OneFootball, he has “paid for his injury struggles this term.” Yahoo Sport echoed the sentiment, calling it “the surprise omission.” Koeman’s decision suggests a lack of faith in Frimpong’s fitness for a tournament that demands peak physical conditioning. Dumfries now stands as the clear first-choice right wing-back, with Timber—if fit—offering cover. The gamble on Timber’s recovery is significant, however; his last competitive appearance was over two months ago, and his match sharpness remains a question.

Other Notable Absences

Frimpong is not the only high-profile player to miss out. Strasbourg forward Emmanuel Emegha, who has impressed in Ligue 1, also failed to make the squad. OneFootball’s initial report highlighted his omission, though no specific reason was given beyond squad balance

With Depay and Brobbey as the

primary striking options, Koeman appears to favour physicality and experience over the raw potential of Emegha. The midfield, meanwhile, lacks a clear defensive specialist, which could force de Jong into a deeper role alongside the industrious Wieffer or Reijnders.

Squad Breakdown and Tactical Flexibility

Koeman’s selection hints at a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on ball-playing defenders and pace in transition. The goalkeeper position is open: Verbruggen has been the regular in qualifying, but Flekken’s Bundesliga experience and Roefs’s uncapped potential create an intriguing competition.

In defence, the likely back three of van Dijk, Ake and van de Ven offers a blend of leadership, left-footed balance and raw speed. Dumfries is almost certain to start at right wing-back, with Gravenberch or Summerville on the opposite flank. The midfield double pivot could pair de Jong with Reijnders or Wieffer, though Gravenberch’s club form might also earn him a more advanced role.

Up front, Depay remains the talisman, supported by Gakpo cutting in from the left and Kluivert or Summerville providing width on the right. Brobbey offers a physical alternative off the bench. The squad lacks a creative midfielder in the mold of a Wesley Sneijder, which may force the Netherlands to rely on wing play and overlaps.

Group Stage Outlook

The Netherlands have been drawn in a competitive but manageable group. Japan’s technical discipline and Sweden’s physicality will test Koeman’s side, while Tunisia should not be underestimated. The Premier League experience could prove decisive in high-pressure moments, but the group’s balance is delicate. A fully fit Timber would add defensive security, while Frimpong’s absence may blunt the attacking thrust from right-back if Dumfries is overly cautious.

Ultimately, this squad reflects both depth and risk. Koeman has gambled on Timber’s recovery and Frimpong’s omission, while loading the team with proven Premier League performers

For the Netherlands to

progress deep into the tournament, van Dijk must marshal the defence, de Jong must dictate tempo, and the wide attackers must compensate for the lack of a classic playmaker. With the world watching, the Oranje have the tools—but the margins are razor-thin.