Xavi Simons will not be in the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old Dutch midfielder suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Tottenham’s 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton this Saturday, in a key match for staying in the Premier League. The player was taken off on a stretcher and hours later the injury was confirmed, leaving him out of the World Cup, which will begin on June 11 in North America.
Simons himself reacted on his social networks. “They say life is cruel and today it feels that way. My season has ended abruptly and I’m still processing it. Honestly, I’m broken. The opportunity to represent my country this summer is gone.”wrote. “I will try to find peace during this time, but I will try to be the best partner possible. I have no doubt that together we will win this battle. I count the days until I return”he added.
Tottenham reported that he will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and then begin his rehabilitation. The loss affects the team in the final stretch of the tournament, with four rounds left and two points away from ensuring permanence.
A blow for the Netherlands heading to the World Cup
The absence of Simons forces coach Ronald Koeman to rethink the Netherlands’ midfield for the 2026 World Cup. The player had accumulated 34 international matches and was emerging as one of the most important pieces of the Dutch scheme due to his dynamism and offensive capacity.
The Dutch team will debut on June 13 against Japan, in a group that also includes Sweden and Tunisia, in the initial phase of the tournament to be held in North America. The coaching staff will have to adjust their approach given the loss of a player who provided balance between defense and attack.
The midfielder’s absence represents a setback in the team’s planning, which loses one of its most influential players ahead of the competition. Koeman will now have to look for alternatives to fill his role at a key moment in the World Cup preparation.
How Xavi Simons suffered the ACL injury against Wolves.
Look at the knee twist. 💔 pic.twitter.com/6LU6J17SAg
— POOHA!!! (@PoojaMedia) April 27, 2026