Netherlands and Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt announced Friday that he will be sidelined for six months after undergoing successful back surgery.

The injury means the 26-year-old will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

De Ligt’s absence is considered a major setback for the Dutch national team ahead of the tournament, given his key role in the squad’s defense.

The Netherlands are set to face Tunisia on June 26 at midnight in their final group-stage match.