Eredivisie Defenders Set for 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup begins this week with a sizable contingent of Eredivisie defenders representing their national sides. Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Tsuyoshi Watanabe will line up for Japan, while Josip Sutalo heads Croatia’s back line. Jordan Bos joins Australia, and four Curacao players – Sherel Floranus, Armando Obispo, Shurandy Shambo and Deveron Fonville – also feature. Sergino Dest will appear for the United States and Anass Salah‑Eddine for Morocco. Ko Itakura signed for Ajax from Borussia Monchengladbach in August and logged 26 Eredivisie matches with one goal this season. The 29‑year‑old central defender has earned 40 caps for Japan. Takehiro Tomiyasu arrived at Ajax on a free in December after a spell with Arsenal and managed nine league appearances. The former Arsenal defender’s fitness will be crucial for Japan. Tsuyoshi Watanabe transferred to Feyenoord in the summer of 2025, playing 39 games and scoring five goals for the Rotterdam club. Josip Sutalo featured in 31 league matches for Ajax after a strong season with Dynamo Zagreb. The Croatian defender holds 33 international caps and will compete in Group L alongside England, Panama and Ghana.

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Jordan Bos moved from Westerlo to Feyenoord last summer and recorded 36 appearances, four goals and nine assists from left‑back. The Australian will be a key figure for the Socceroos in Group D with the United States, Paraguay and Türkiye. Sherel Floranus, a 27‑year‑old left‑back, played 34 games for PEC Zwolle, scoring once and providing four assists. Armando Obispo made 27 appearances for PSV, netting two goals. Shurandy Shambo spent the season on loan at Sparta Rotterdam from Burnley, adding 27 matches to his record. Deveron Fonville featured in 34 games for NEC Nijmegen, contributing three assists. Sergino Dest, a former Barcelona defender, logged 38 matches for PSV with two goals and six assists. Anass Salah‑Eddine, on loan from Roma, appeared in 25 PSV games and earned a start for Morocco in a friendly against Madagascar.