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Netherlands dealt huge World Cup blow as Timber ruled out with injury

Netherlands' World Cup preparations have been rocked by the news that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been forced to withdraw from the squad. Despite travelling to the United States with Ronald Koeman's side, the versatile defender has failed to overcome a persistent injury in time for the tournament opener.

GOAL writers predict the World Cup dark horses

It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Netherlands vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Netherlands vs Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

Palmer & the biggest stars to miss out on the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations while descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.

Top 10 World Cup 2026 away kits

Taking a look at the sharpest threads to feature at this summer's tournament.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
12	Sahel	27	8	6	13	17	21	-4	30	L W W L L
13	Urana	26	7	8	11	26	31	-5	29	W W L L D
14	AS UAM	27	7	7	13	21	30	-9	28	L W L W L
15	Olympic Niamey	27	4	8	15	21	41	-20	20	W L D L D
16	Renaissance de Boukoki	26	3	5	18	15	42	-27	14	L L L L D

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form