Wout Weghorst Included in Netherlands' 26-Man World Cup Squad — Messi Rival Returns for 2026
Wout Weghorst is among the 26 players Ronald Koeman named for Netherlands' 2026 World Cup squad, giving the 33-year-old striker a second chance to face Argentina after their 2022 clash.
Who: Wout Weghorst is one of 26 players named to the Netherlands' 2026 FIFA World Cup squad by head coach Ronald Koeman. What: The inclusion was confirmed when the national team published its roster on official social media. When: The squad was announced ahead of Netherlands' warm-up friendlies on June 3 and June 8 and their Group F opener on June 14. Why it matters: Weghorst's selection brings back memories of his high-profile clash with Lionel Messi at the 2022 World Cup and sets up the possibility of another meeting with Argentina in North America.
Why Weghorst's call-up draws attention
Wout Weghorst's presence in Koeman's 26-man roster stands out not only because he is a veteran striker but also because of his role in a memorable World Cup moment. The 33-year-old striker, who spent the 2025-26 season with Ajax, registered nine goals and four assists across the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup and UEFA Champions League — statistics cited by the federation and media coverage accompanying the squad announcement. That form helped secure his place among eight attackers selected for the tournament.
The 2022 incident with Lionel Messi
Weghorst became part of World Cup folklore during the 2022 quarter-final penalty shootout between the Netherlands and Argentina. After Argentina progressed on penalties, a televised exchange between Lionel Messi and Weghorst — captured while Messi was giving a post-match interview — was widely replayed. That episode remains a notable subplot as both players head into the 2026 tournament, and media have pointed to the possibility of a repeat encounter depending on how both teams progress through their respective groups and the knockout stages.
Netherlands squad overview and absences
Beyond Weghorst, Koeman's selection features the Netherlands' key figures including Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong. Other notable inclusions listed with the announcement include Denzel Dumfries, Micky van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo. The roster did not include Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons, both left out because of injuries with recovery timelines that extend beyond the World Cup window. Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong was another notable omission from the squad.
- Netherlands announced a 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup via official social media.
- Wout Weghorst (33) included after a 2025-26 season with Ajax: nine goals and four assists across league, cup and Champions League.
- Key inclusions: Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Denzel Dumfries, Micky van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo.
- Major absences through injury: Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons. Jeremie Frimpong also omitted.
- Netherlands play friendlies vs Algeria (June 3) and Uzbekistan (June 8) before opening Group F against Japan on June 14; group also contains Sweden and Tunisia.
Tournament path and potential repeat clash
Whether Weghorst and Argentina meet again at the 2026 World Cup will depend on group-stage finishes and the knockout bracket. If both sides top their groups, a rematch could only occur in a final; other permutations could see them meet earlier, including in the quarter-finals, according to the tournament format explanations cited alongside the squad announcement.
What happens next
Netherlands will use two pre-tournament friendlies — against Algeria on June 3 and Uzbekistan on June 8 — to finalise preparations and sharpen selection. The squad then begin World Cup Group F action on June 14 against Japan, followed by fixtures with Sweden and Tunisia. Observers will be watching Weghorst's minutes and role within Koeman's attacking options as the tournament approaches.