Georginio Wijnaldum's World Cup dream over after uncomfortable phone call
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesGeorginio WijnaldumGeorginio Wijnaldum was hopeful of breaking back into the Netherlands squad for this summer's World Cup but has been given a reality check by Ronald KoemanGeorginio Wijnaldum seemingly won't be playing at the World Cup(Image: 2026 Getty Images)Ronald Koeman has confirmed that former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum is not in his thoughts for this summer's World Cup.Wijnaldum has been playing in the Saudi Pro League for three years and has not figured for the Netherlands since the European Championship in 2024.The ex- Liverpool man came on as a substitute in all three of his country's group games at the Euros, but did not figure in any of the three knockout games as Koeman's men reached the semi-finals.Despite having been out of the international picture since then, Wijnaldum told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf recently that he is targeting a spot at the World Cup."I'm going to do everything I can to get a chance," Wijnaldum said. "I am in top shape."READ MORE: Liverpool gets VAR verdict after Bruno Fernandes escaped red for 'reckless' foulREAD MORE: Rio Ferdinand accuses Jamie Carragher of 'spitting dummy out' as ugly feud growsKoeman recalled how he recently spoke to Wijnaldum about the Dutchman's frustration at his bit-part role at the last Euros, before addressing Wijnaldum's World Cup ambitions."Two months ago, I had him over at my house," Koeman said.
"That was actually late, because it was about the European Championship two years ago."He came on as a substitute three times there, and he felt that was not enough. He wasn't happy with that, nor with his own role.""For me, that (Wijnaldum's international career) was a closed chapter at that time, but then I read that (Wijnaldum's comments) too."After that, I called him and made it clear to him that I am choosing others.
I haven't selected him since the 2024 European Championship. Since then, I have preferred others, and I am very satisfied with that."Koeman has not selected Wijnaldum for two years(Image: Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)Wijnaldum made his international debut in 2011 and has played 94 times for his country, scoring 28 goals and registering nine assists.The former Liverpool midfielder has featured at three major tournaments, playing seven times for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup – his only World Cup appearances — while also figuring at the European Championship in 2021 as well as Euro 2024.At the club level, Wijnaldum has been playing for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia for three years after underwhelming spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Roma following his Liverpool exit in 2021.Wijnaldum spent five years at Anfield, playing key roles in the club's Champions League win in 2019 as well as the Premier League title win a year later.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCGeorginio Wijnaldum