David Ornstein: De Ligt ruled out of 2026 World Cup after back surgery

david ornstein reports Matthijs de Ligt will miss the 2026 World Cup after undergoing surgery on a back injury. Manchester United say the 26-year-old defender has had a successful operation, and their timeline points to a return only in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.

De Ligt and Manchester United

Manchester United said: "Matthijs de Ligt has undergone successful surgery to address a back injury." The club added: "Having diligently worked throughout his rehabilitation process, the decision was made that a corrective procedure was the best course of action."

De Ligt had not played since the victory at Crystal Palace on 30 November. He said he had "done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football," and added that he remained "as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible."

Ruben Amorim's early call

The back problem had been treated as minor at first. Then-United manager Ruben Amorim expected him to return for the home game with West Ham four days later, but United later said they were not thinking about an operation.

That brief optimism did not hold. De Ligt's most recent attempt at running on Carrington's training pitches last month did not lead to a positive outcome, and the surgery now pushes his comeback well beyond this summer.

Netherlands wait until 14 June

The Netherlands start their World Cup campaign against Japan on 14 June, and De Ligt will not be available for that opening match. United's own timeline also leaves them without a first-choice defender until the early stages of the 2026-27 season.

For both club and country, the immediate task is simple: plan without him. The surgery ends the hope of a quick return, and the schedule now runs past the World Cup and into the start of United's next campaign.