Dutch squad update: Chelsea striker Emegha gets first national call-up for FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Chelsea’s Emmanuel Emegha received his first call-up from the Netherlands on Tuesday as a replacement for the injured Wout Weghorst ahead of the decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The 22-year-old Emegha replaces Ajax veteran Weghorst, who will probably not be fit for the confrontation with Poland on Friday.

A draw in Warsaw will effectively ensure Group G-leading Netherlands progress to the World Cup ahead of the final qualifier against Lithuania on Monday.

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Emegha will join Chelsea after the World Cup in North America, in a transfer agreed in September that angered Strasbourg fans. They lose a star player to the parent club.

Strasbourg is seen as a feeder club in the ownership group of US-backed holding company BlueCo. Chelsea also loaned three young players to Strasbourg this season and sold two more to the French club, including former England left-back Ben Chilwell.

Published on November 11, 2025