Xavi Simons ruled out of 2026 World Cup after ruptured ACL — big blow for Netherlands

Xavi Simons will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee on April 25 while playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Wolverhampton in the Premier League. The injury required surgery and a rehabilitation timetable of six to nine months, ruling the 23-year-old winger out of the Netherlands’ Group F opener against Japan on June 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — a significant absence for Ronald Koeman’s side as they begin the tournament.

Why it matters

Simons has been a regular in Koeman’s plans since his international debut in December 2022 and leaves a notable gap in the Netherlands attack. According to the source, he has 34 caps and six goals for the national team and appeared in 33 of the 38 matches Koeman has overseen since taking charge in 2023, most frequently as a starter. That level of involvement underlines why his absence is a tactical and personnel setback on the eve of the World Cup.

How the injury happened and the recovery outlook

World Soccer Talk reports Simons tore the ACL in his right knee during Tottenham’s Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton on April 25. He underwent surgery, and medical estimates in the report place his recovery at between six and nine months. The article adds that Simons is expected to miss most of 2026 and is unlikely to return during the second half of the calendar year, with a full comeback anticipated in the latter stages of the 2026–27 season.

Netherlands squad context and other absences

Simons is not the only player missing from the Dutch squad. The same source confirms Matthijs de Ligt underwent surgery for persistent back problems in mid-May and will miss the tournament. Defender Jurrien Timber, who had been named in Koeman’s 26-man squad and travelled to North America, was withdrawn after training in the camp revealed he was not fit to play because of a groin issue; Timber was replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida.

Those absences mean Koeman will be without a number of players who had been important to his plans in the run-up to the World Cup, increasing pressure on the coach to adapt his starting XI and rotation for the group stage, which kicks off with the Netherlands v Japan match on June 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (kickoff 20:00 UTC, match_data).

Key points

• Xavi Simons tore the ACL in his right knee on April 25 during Tottenham vs Wolverhampton and required surgery.
• Estimated recovery is six to nine months; Simons is expected to miss most of 2026 and likely to return in the latter stages of 2026–27.
• Simons has 34 caps and six goals for the Netherlands, and featured in 33 of Ronald Koeman’s 38 matches since 2023.
• Matthijs de Ligt underwent back surgery in mid-May and is also out of the World Cup.
• Jurrien Timber was withdrawn from the squad in camp with a groin issue and replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida.
• Netherlands open Group F against Japan on June 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (kickoff 20:00 UTC).

What it means for the Netherlands

Losing Simons reduces the options Koeman had in wide attacking areas and removes a player who had become a regular starter. Combined with the absences of de Ligt and Timber, the Netherlands must reconfigure both defence and attack ahead of their opening match. The squad will need to rely on depth and any tactical adjustments Koeman makes to replace minutes, goals and experience that Simons would have offered.

What happens next

Simons will begin a lengthy rehabilitation programme after surgery and is not included in Netherlands’ plans for the opening stages of the World Cup. The Dutch squad will continue final preparations in North America with Koeman working through alternative selections for the match against Japan on June 14. Official medical updates from Tottenham Hotspur and the Royal Dutch Football Association should be monitored for precise recovery timelines.