Manchester City star given FIFA World Cup 2026 ultimatum by National Team manager
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has issued a clear ultimatum to Manchester City defender Nathan Ake regarding his future with the national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Dutch boss made it clear that Ake’s place in the squad is under threat due to his lack of playing time at Manchester City. Koeman expressed his concern over the defender’s limited minutes, warning that continued absence from regular football could cost him his spot for the upcoming FIFA 2026.
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Ake endured a challenging 2024–25 season marked by injuries and inconsistency. Manchester City also faced one of their toughest campaigns under Pep Guardiola, finishing third in the Premier League with 71 points. The team was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16 and suffered a disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
FIFA 2026: Nathan Ake Battles for Playing Time After Manchester City’s Defensive Injury Crisis
The defensive line was one of City’s biggest problems throughout the season, with multiple players struggling for fitness, including Ake himself. During the first half of the season, City’s defense was heavily impacted by an injury crisis. John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Ruben Dias all spent time on the sidelines, forcing Guardiola and the club’s board to make urgent moves in the January transfer window.
Manchester City signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis to reinforce the defense, while captain Kyle Walker left for Italy midway through his second season wearing the armband. These developments increased competition for defensive spots and left Ake fighting for minutes once he returned from injury. Despite the setbacks, Manchester City managed to regain form in the second half of the season.
Nathan Ake’s Future at Manchester City Uncertain Amid Transfer Links and FIFA World Cup 2026 Pressure
Their strong run ensured a third-place Premier League finish and qualification for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League. However, questions continued to surround the defensive setup as the summer transfer window opened. John Stones entered the final year of his contract after another season of recurring injuries, while Manuel Akanji joined Inter Milan on loan.
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Ake, too, was linked with a possible move away from the Etihad Stadium due to his limited opportunities and age. Nathan Ake, now 30, joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in 2020 and has been part of their golden era under Guardiola. He has collected four Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League medal. Though never a guaranteed starter, Ake’s importance has often come from his versatility.
Soccer World Cup: Ronald Koeman Warns Nathan Ake to Regain Form or Risk Missing FIFA 2026 Spot
His ability to play as a left-sided centre-back or left-back was vital during City’s historic treble-winning campaign in 2022–23, where his composure and tactical intelligence stood out. However, since then, injuries and fierce competition have made it difficult for him to maintain a consistent role in the starting eleven.
Koeman’s latest comments reflect growing frustration with Ake’s situation. Speaking to De Telegraaf, the Netherlands manager said, We’ve talked about it. Something has to change. He emphasized that steady match fitness is essential for players who want to represent their country, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching. You can’t hardly play and still be part of a national team.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Nathan Ake Faces FIFA 2026 Selection Threat as Koeman Demands Regular Playtime
Match practice is part of that, Koeman added. His words serve as both a warning and a challenge for Ake to reclaim regular football at the club level before the major tournament begins. The Netherlands squad is filled with strong defensive options, and Koeman is known for rewarding players who are active and consistently perform well for their World Cup. This makes Ake’s situation even more precarious.
While his experience and quality are valued, national team selection is increasingly based on form and playing rhythm. As City’s defensive competition intensifies, with players like Ruben Dias, Stones, Khusanov, and others vying for limited spots, Ake’s path to regular minutes looks uncertain. If he continues to remain on the bench, Koeman may be forced to look elsewhere for defenders who are playing consistently at the top level.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws closer, national team managers like Koeman are already planning their squads for the tournament. The Dutch boss wants every player to be in peak condition and actively contributing to their clubs. For Nathan Ake, this means rediscovering his form and securing more playing time under Guardiola. Otherwise, his dream of representing the Netherlands on football’s biggest stage in the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be in serious jeopardy.
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1. Why is Nathan Ake under pressure before the World Cup?
Ronald Koeman warned Nathan Ake that his place in the Netherlands squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is in danger due to limited playing time at Manchester City. The coach expects every player to be fit and active at the club level before the major tournament begins.
2. How did Ake’s 2024–25 season affect his FIFA World Cup 2026 chances?
Ake’s injury-hit 2024–25 season limited his Manchester City appearances, hurting his chances for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Koeman values consistent match fitness, and Ake’s lack of playing time could cost him a spot unless he regains form and regular minutes before the tournament.
3. What did Koeman say about Ake’s role for the Soccer World Cup?
Koeman said players who don’t play regularly can’t expect selection for the FIFA World Cup 2026. He urged Nathan Ake to find consistent game time at Manchester City if he wants to remain part of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
4. Could Ake miss the Football World Cup 2026?
Yes, Nathan Ake could miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 if he continues to stay on Manchester City’s bench. With several Dutch defenders in top form, Koeman may prefer those playing regularly and showing strong match rhythm throughout the season.
5. What must Ake do to play in the World Cup 2026?
To secure his FIFA World Cup 2026 spot, Ake must stay injury-free, earn consistent starts, and perform well for Manchester City. Koeman prioritizes players with regular match fitness and strong form at the club level when choosing his World Cup squad.
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