Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt will miss the 2026 World Cup after undergoing surgery on his long-standing back problem. The 26-year-old Dutch international hasn't featured since the Crystal Palace victory on November 30, ending a frustrating five-month spell on the sidelines.

Initial assessments suggested a minor issue, with former manager Ruben Amorim expecting a quick return. However, multiple rehabilitation attempts failed to resolve the injury, leading to the inevitable decision for surgical intervention. United confirmed the procedure was successful and praised De Ligt's diligent work throughout his recovery efforts.

The Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14, but De Ligt won't be part of Ronald Koeman's plans. United expect him back in the early stages of the 2026-27 season, ruling him out of pre-season preparations starting in July. De Ligt expressed determination to return for United fans as soon as possible, thanking supporters for their backing during this difficult period.

His absence leaves a significant void in both United's defense and the Dutch national team setup, with crucial fixtures ahead for both clubs.