WORLD CUP | Report: Frenkie de Jong finished 2026 World Cup with right knee problem

Frenkie de Jong finished the 2026 World Cup carrying a right knee problem and played through persistent pain late in the tournament, according to Yahoo Sports. The Barcelona midfielder played 110 minutes as the Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties in the Round of 32, a defeat that ended Ronald Koeman’s tenure as head coach. The report said De Jong also played through pain in the Netherlands’ final two group matches against Sweden and Tunisia, with claims he received pain-relieving injections. Barcelona are not believed to be concerned and expect rest to allow him to recover before pre-season under Hansi Flick. The report also noted other Barcelona fitness issues at the tournament: Ronald Araújo had a calf injury and did not play as Uruguay went out in the group stage, while Raphinha suffered a muscle injury in Brazil’s second group match against Haiti and was expected to miss the Round-of-16 game with Norway.