Koeman Confirms Veerman Will Not Be Selected for World Cup
By Daniel Richardson
Editor-in-Chief, Archysport
March 25, 2026
AMSTERDAM – Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has definitively stated that midfielder Joey Veerman will not be included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup, barring unforeseen circumstances. The decision, while not entirely surprising given recent indications, effectively closes the door on Veerman’s hopes of representing the Oranje at the tournament. This news comes as a blow to the PSV Eindhoven player, who has enjoyed a strong season domestically, but clearly doesn’t fit into Koeman’s tactical plans.
Koeman’s stance has been firm and consistent in recent assessments. Reports from Dutch media outlets, including Mee Met Oranje and Voetbalzone, indicate that Koeman has already made up his mind, even if all players are fully fit. This decision underscores the competitive nature of international football and the difficult choices managers must make when selecting their squads.
Veerman’s Situation: A Case of Tactical Fit
The core of Koeman’s decision appears to stem from a lack of alignment between Veerman’s playing style and the tactical approach Koeman intends to employ. While acknowledging Veerman’s qualities, Koeman has publicly questioned his performance in recent appearances for the national team. During a match against Austria in June 2024, Koeman substituted Veerman after just 35 minutes, citing concerns about his ball control and decision-making. As reported by SportBible, Koeman stated, “I saw him tripping over the ball, giving the ball away, I can’t explain it. Being great on the ball is supposed to be his quality.”
This early substitution sparked considerable debate, but Koeman remained resolute in his assessment. He emphasized that his decision was based on the team’s performance and the need for a change, even if it was a difficult one for Veerman. The manager’s willingness to make such a bold move highlights his commitment to implementing his vision for the team, even at the expense of popular players.
Former Dutch international Marco van Basten seemingly understood Koeman’s reasoning, stating, as reported by VoetbalPrimeur, “On the ball we can’t do much…”. This suggests a broader issue with the team’s technical ability, rather than solely focusing on Veerman’s individual shortcomings.
What Which means for the Netherlands Squad
Koeman’s decision to omit Veerman opens up a midfield spot that will likely be filled by another player. The competition for places in the Netherlands squad is fierce, with several talented midfielders vying for a starting role. Xavi Simons, who replaced Veerman during that fateful match against Austria, is a potential candidate, as are other established players like Marten de Roon and Teun Koopmeiners.
The absence of Veerman could influence Koeman’s tactical approach. Veerman is known for his progressive passing and ability to dictate tempo, qualities that the Netherlands may now need to find elsewhere. It remains to be seen how Koeman will adjust his strategy to compensate for Veerman’s absence, but it’s clear that the manager has a clear vision for the team and is willing to make difficult decisions to achieve it.
Adding to the narrative, Noordhollands Dagblad reports that Koeman has indicated he prefers a different type of player in that position, suggesting a fundamental difference in tactical philosophy. This isn’t simply a matter of form; it’s a matter of fit.
Looking Ahead
The Netherlands will continue their preparations for the World Cup with a series of friendly matches and training camps. Koeman will use these opportunities to fine-tune his squad and experiment with different tactical formations. The team’s performance in these warm-up games will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike, as they attempt to gauge the Netherlands’ chances of success at the tournament.
For Joey Veerman, the focus will now shift to continuing his strong form for PSV Eindhoven. While his World Cup dreams may be dashed for now, he will undoubtedly be determined to prove Koeman wrong and force his way back into the national team in the future. The next major international tournament, the 2026 World Cup, offers another opportunity for Veerman to showcase his talent on the global stage.
The Netherlands’ next confirmed match is a friendly against [insert next confirmed match details here – date, time, opponent, location – *verify this information*]. Fans can follow updates on the team’s preparations and match schedule on the official KNVB website.
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