Mats Wieffer still eyeing World Cup spot despite new Right-Back role at Brighton

Mats Wieffer insists his World Cup ambitions remain alive — even if he is no longer playing in his natural midfield role at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Dutch international, who has finally settled into life in the Premier League after a challenging first season, has started eight of Brighton’s last nine matches under Fabian Hürzeler, often at right-back rather than in the centre of the pitch.

Speaking to Viaplay in comments carried by Voetbal Primeur, Wieffer admitted the positional switch has been unexpected but believes it could strengthen, not weaken, his chances of earning a place in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup.

His situation is complicated by the strength of the competition. The Netherlands already have established right-backs in Jurrien Timber, Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong — all regulars under Koeman. Breaking into that rotation would be extremely difficult for Wieffer, who was signed by Brighton primarily as a midfielder after starring in that role for Feyenoord.

Even so, he is not giving up. “I understand I’m not the number one choice at right-back… but if I go back to midfield, it’s definitely possible. Koeman has always selected me there. If it’s a 50–50 situation, I feel it’s still possible.”

A recurring theme in the Dutchman’s comments is that adaptability may end up working in his favour rather than against him.

“Especially at a major tournament, it’s useful to be able to play multiple positions. The most important thing is just playing. And I definitely hope I’ll still get there.”

Having followed Wieffer’s development closely since his arrival in England, the most striking improvement this season is his tactical intelligence. Whether filling in at full-back or stepping into midfield during Brighton’s fluid build-up structure, he has shown a stronger understanding of Hürzeler’s positional demands. Although some analysts argue that long-term he should be restored to midfield, others believe the hybrid role is sharpening his game and giving Koeman something different to consider.

In our view, Wieffer’s assessment is accurate: Koeman values multifunctional players, especially ones capable of switching mid-match without disrupting structure. The nuance, however, is that competition in both of Wieffer’s positions is fierce. To remain in contention, he must continue delivering consistent starting-level performances — regardless of where Hürzeler deploys him.

A useful counterpoint: Frimpong and Dumfries are attack-minded full-backs, whereas Wieffer brings a more controlling, stabilising profile. This stylistic difference could give him a route into tournament squads as a tactical alternative, particularly if injuries or strategic tweaks arise.

Brighton’s system, which frequently rotates players between midfield and full-back zones, may actually be the perfect proving ground for him.

Brighton host West Ham on Sunday, 7 December, with Wieffer expected to feature again — likely continuing his hybrid role on the right. Continued minutes under Hürzeler will be crucial as he attempts to keep himself firmly in the World Cup conversation ahead of next year’s selection cycle.

👉 Should Wieffer push to return to midfield full-time, or embrace his growing reputation as a versatile utility player?