Netherlands Lose De Ligt for World Cup After Back Operation

Man Utd’s De Ligt undergoes surgery, misses World Cup  

The Man United centre-back had been a regular for United before injury struck. He played every minute of their first 13 Premier League games this season.

De Ligt has been sidelined since November with a back injury. The 25-year-old had surgery and won’t return until the start of the 2026/27 season...

Manchester United and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt has been ruled out of the World Cup after having back surgery.

The operation was to treat an injury that’s sidelined him since November. De Ligt isn’t expected back until the start of next season.

“Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury,” United said in a statement on Friday.

“Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action.”

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

You've got this, @MdeLigt_04 👊 pic.twitter.com/TJBeKDCSYB

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2026

 

De Ligt started the season strongly, playing every minute of United’s opening 13 Premier League matches before the injury stopped him.