Koopmeiners Replaces Injured Timber in Netherlands Squad

Teun Koopmeiners gets late call-up to Netherlands Squad

Netherlands gets late boost as Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners called up to replace injured Quinten Timber...

The Netherlands is set to face Malta, followed by a match against Finland at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.. 

Teun Koopmeiners has received a late call-up to the Netherlands national team for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Finland. This comes after Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber pulled out due to an ankle injury he sustained during Feyenoord's match against FC Groningen. Timber's absence is a significant blow to the Dutch team, and Koeman has turned to Koopmeiners as a replacement.

Koopmeiners, a Juventus midfielder, was surprisingly left out of the Netherlands' initial squad after not featuring in any of their World Cup qualifiers this campaign. However, his experience and versatility in midfield make him an ideal replacement for Timber. Koopmeiners has 25 caps for the Netherlands and will report to the team's training complex in Zeist on Monday.

The Netherlands currently tops Group G with 10 points from four games, tied with Poland, who have played one more game but a worse goal difference. With Timber out, Koopmeiners will look to make an impact in the upcoming matches, starting with the qualifier against Malta on October 9. The Netherlands then hosts Finland on October 12 at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.

🔶 Teun Koopmeiners replaces Quinten Timber

Ronald Koeman has added Teun Koopmeiners to the squad that arrives in Zeist tomorrow. Quinten Timber has not recovered sufficiently from an injury to play in the upcoming two World Cup qualifiers.#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/8IGgKZXSyb

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 5, 2025

Juventus midfielder has joined the squad late after Feyenoord's Quinten Timber withdrew due to fitness issues. Timber, the former Feyenoord captain, is still recovering from an ankle injury.

The Netherlands is set to face Malta, followed by a match against Finland at the Johan Cruyff ArenA. The Dutch team currently tops Group G with 10 points from four games, tied with Poland who have played one more game but have a worse goal difference.

The Netherlands has a strong record against Malta, having won their previous encounter 8-0. The top team in Group G will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the runners-up will enter the playoffs.