Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato was selected for Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday.
The versatile defender has enjoyed a productive campaign since sealing a big-money switch to Stamford Bridge from Ajax last summer.
Starting the season as a back-up left-back, Hato showcased his versatile qualities in the closing weeks of the campaign, operating as a left centre-back in a three-man defence and playing beyond his years.
Calum McFarlane was impressed by Hato's performance in the win against Tottenham Hotspur, labelling him one of the club's most important players since December. Now, his hard work in a Chelsea shirt has been rewarded with another call-up to the national team.
Jorrel Hato reacts to World Cup call-up
Hato made his Netherlands debut against Gibraltar in 2023 and most recently came off the bench in their 1-1 friendly draw with Ecuador in the last international break.
🇳🇱🚨 𝗝𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗟 𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗢 (𝟮𝟬) was 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗-𝗨𝗣 for the 2026 World Cup. 🌎✈️ pic.twitter.com/fbccTyc2NV
— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) May 27, 2026
Still only 20-years-old, the young defender already has seven caps to his name, and he will increase that total this summer after being named in Koeman's 26-man squad for the trip to North America.
Xabi Alonso's No. 21 is one of seven defenders selected by Koeman, including former Blues academy star Nathan Ake and reported Chelsea target Jan Paul van Hecke.
Reacting to his selection for his first World Cup squad, Hato wrote on Instagram: "A childhood dream turns reality, honoured to be part of the @onsoranje squad."
Hato becomes the eighth Chelsea player heading to the World Cup, joining the likes of Reece James, Pedro Neto and Marc Cucurella at the tournament.
How Hato will fit in under Xabi Alonso
The Netherlands are in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, with their first game coming against Japan on 14 June.
Hato will be in contention to start and will be dreaming of World Cup glory. Meanwhile, once he returns to Stamford Bridge, he will be aiming to be a regular part of Alonso's plans.
Alonso is expected to carry out a defensive overhaul at Stamford Bridge, perhaps building his back line around Levi Colwill.
But there is likely to be a place in the roster for Hato, either as a regular starter or squad player. The youngster has flourished as a left-sided defender, and in the Spaniard's back three system, he could thrive with his qualities in and out of possession.
A successful World Cup campaign will certainly help his cause, with Hato hoping to play a prominent role in an exciting new era in West London.
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