Shock Omission: Why Joey Veerman’s Absence from Netherlands’ World Cup Long List is a Tactical Gamble

In the high-stakes lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Dutch national team has just delivered a selection bombshell that is sending shockwaves through the Eredivisie and beyond. Ronald Koeman has submitted his preliminary “list of 55” to FIFA, and in a move that defies recent form and tactical logic for many, PSV Eindhoven’s midfield maestro Joey Veerman is nowhere to be found.

For the uninitiated, the “list of 55” isn’t just a casual suggestion or a rotating door of prospects. In the world of international tournament football, this list serves as the definitive boundary. If a player is not included in this provisional submission to FIFA, they are ineligible for the final squad. By leaving Veerman off this expanded roster, Koeman hasn’t just signaled a doubt about the player—he has effectively slammed the door on Veerman’s World Cup dreams.

As someone who has spent over 15 years covering the game from the sidelines of the World Cup and the NBA Finals, I’ve seen managers make bold calls, but this feels different. This isn’t a late cut based on a sudden injury or a dip in form; it is a philosophical statement. I’ve led the editorial team here at Archysport through countless tournament cycles, and rarely do we see a player of Veerman’s current trajectory ignored so completely at the preliminary stage.

The ‘List of 55’ Explained: Why This Matters

To understand the gravity of this situation, we need a quick bit of context on how FIFA’s registration process works. Before the final 23-to-26 man squad is announced, national associations must provide a broader list of players who could potentially be called up. This “long list” acts as a safety net, allowing managers to account for late-season injuries or sudden surges in player performance.

Usually, a player of Joey Veerman’s caliber—a consistent starter for a top-tier club like PSV—is a lock for this list. Even if the manager is unsure about their starting role, they are almost always included just in case. To be omitted from the 55 entirely is a rare and public snub. It means that regardless of what happens between now and the final squad announcement on May 27, Veerman cannot be added. He is out.

The Veerman Paradox: Stats vs. Selection

On paper, the decision to exclude Joey Veerman is baffling. Over the last couple of seasons, Veerman has evolved into one of the most clinical deep-lying playmakers in European football. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match, his vision in transitioning from defense to attack, and his dead-ball precision make him a tactical asset that most nations would kill for.

At PSV, Veerman has been the heartbeat of the side. He doesn’t just pass the ball; he manipulates the opposition’s defensive shape. For a Netherlands side that has occasionally struggled with creative stagnation in the middle of the park, Veerman offered a solution—a “metronome” who could unlock stubborn defenses with a single vertical pass.

So, why the snub? The answer likely lies in Ronald Koeman’s specific vision for the 2026 campaign. There are whispers in the Dutch press, specifically echoing sentiments from de Volkskrant, that Koeman is leaning into “old ways”—prioritizing physical presence, defensive reliability, and a specific type of veteran leadership over the nuanced, technical playmaking that Veerman provides.

Tactical Analysis: The Koeman Philosophy

Ronald Koeman has always been a manager of strong convictions. In the current iteration of the Oranje, there is a clear preference for midfielders who can cover vast amounts of ground and contribute to a high-pressing system. While Veerman is tactically disciplined, he is not a “box-to-box” engine in the mold of Tijjani Reijnders or the physical profile of some of the other options Koeman favors.

By omitting Veerman, Koeman is betting that he has enough creativity in players like Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo, who can drop deeper to facilitate play. He is essentially trading a specialist playmaker for overall squad versatility and athleticism. It is a gamble that prioritizes the “floor” of the team (defensive stability) over the “ceiling” (creative brilliance).

However, this approach carries a significant risk. In a World Cup setting, especially against the elite teams of South America and Europe, the ability to retain possession under pressure is paramount. Without a dedicated “quarterback” like Veerman, the Netherlands risks becoming too reliant on individual brilliance from the wings, making them more predictable in the final third.

The Fallout and the Media Firestorm

The reaction in the Netherlands has been swift and severe. De Telegraaf has highlighted the absurdity of the omission, questioning how a player so central to his club’s success can be viewed as entirely surplus to requirements for the national team. The narrative emerging is one of rigidity—that Koeman is ignoring the modern evolution of the midfield role in favor of a more traditional, rigid structure.

This isn’t just about one player; it’s about the identity of the Dutch national team. For decades, the Netherlands has been defined by “Total Football”—a philosophy of fluidity, intelligence, and technical superiority. To see a technical specialist like Veerman discarded suggests a shift toward a more pragmatic, perhaps even cautious, style of play.

Who Benefits from the Void?

With Veerman out of the picture, the competition for the remaining midfield spots intensifies. We can expect a few key players to see their stock rise:

• Tijjani Reijnders: Now the undisputed primary engine of the midfield, Reijnders will carry a heavier burden in terms of both ball progression and defensive coverage.
• Xavi Simons: With less support from a deep-lying playmaker, Simons may be asked to drop even further back to link the defense and attack, potentially limiting his impact in the penalty area.
• The “Twijfelgevallen” (Doubtful Cases): As reported by NOS, Koeman is giving extra chances to players who are on the fringe. This opens the door for veteran returns or experimental picks who fit Koeman’s physical profile better than Veerman does.

The Road to May 27

The footballing world now looks toward May 27, when the final World Cup squad will be officially unveiled. While the “list of 55” has already narrowed the field, the final cut will be where the real tension lies. Koeman is under immense pressure to prove that his “old ways” can actually navigate the complexities of a modern World Cup.

The 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be a grueling test of endurance and adaptability. The travel distances, varying climates, and the sheer scale of the North American venues will demand a squad that is both physically robust and tactically flexible. Whether Koeman’s preference for athleticism over Veerman’s artistry is the right call will be judged in the heat of those June matches.

From my perspective, this is a classic case of a manager trusting his gut over the data. In sports, that is often where legends are made—or where legacies are tarnished. If the Netherlands cruises through the group stages, Koeman will be hailed as a genius who built a resilient machine. If they struggle to break down a disciplined defense, the ghost of Joey Veerman will haunt every missed opportunity.

The next confirmed checkpoint is May 27, when the official Oranje squad is announced. Will Koeman double down on his pragmatism, or will the final list surprise us with a few more “out of the box” selections?

What do you think of Koeman’s decision? Is athleticism more important than playmaking in a World Cup, or has the Netherlands made a critical mistake? Let us know in the comments below.