Everything You Need to Know About the Netherlands Before the 2026 World Cup

Everything You Need to Know About the Netherlands Before the 2026 World Cup

The Netherlands are without a doubt one of the biggest footballing nations in history with the likes of Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit and Robin Van Persie all putting on the famous orange shirt in the past.

However, they have never managed to get their hands on the Jules Rimet trophy and crown themselves as Champions of the World, despite finishing runners up on three occasions in 1974, 1978, and 2010. So fans of the nation will be hoping that this time around in North America it can be their moment to finally lift the World Cup on Sunday 19th July.

Netherland’s Qualification Process

In terms of qualifying for this year's edition, the Netherlands went unbeaten throughout the process in a group alongside Poland, Finland, Malta, and Lithuania and only conceded four goals. If they can carry that form into the tournament in the next few weeks then it certainly sets them up to be one of the favourites to reach the latter stages.

Ronald Koeman Squad Selection

Mark Flekken (GK) (Bayer Leverkusen)

Robin Roefs (GK) (Sunderland)

Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Nathan Ake (Manchester City)

Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)

Jorrel Hato (Chelsea)

Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)

Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona)

Marten de Roon (Atalanta)

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus)

Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City)

Guus Til (PSV Eindhoven)

Quinten Timber (Marseille)

Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)

Memphis Depay (Corinthians)

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)

Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)

Noa Lang (Galatasaray)

Donyell Malen (Roma)

Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United)

Wout Weghorst (Ajax)

🚨🗣️Jeremie Frimpong on his exclusion from the Netherlands 2026 World Cup squad:

“It wasn’t meant to be this time, but I’ll be the first one supporting the boys every step of the way this summer 🧡” pic.twitter.com/6RaKdYKGGA

— Futball Centa (@futballcenta) May 29, 2026

Key Players For Oranje

Virgil Van Dijk

Arguably the best defender of his generation, Virgil Van Dijk, will captain his nation over in America this summer. His leadership and experience could be pivotal for the Netherlands if they want to have a successful run in the tournament. Not only that but his aerial ability could help from set pieces at both ends of the pitch.

Frenkie De Jong

Despite a rather injury ridden season, it is well known that Frenkie De Jong is a vital player for both Barcelona and the Netherlands. His ability to control a midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch is definitely an advantage for the Netherlands especially in the latter stages of the tournament against other top nations.

Denzel Dumfries

In recent years, Denzel Dumfries has often shown up on the big stage for his nation and provided goals and assists in major tournaments. His relentlessness and stamina to get up and down the pitch makes him a threat on the right side throughout and also gives oppositions left hand side a bit of a headache.

🇳🇱 Netherlands

⭐️: Frenkie de Jong.
🎁: Xavi Simons.
⚡️: Virgil van Dijk.
🏁: Semifinals

The Netherlands always carry a certain World Cup expectation, even when people try to talk themselves out of it. There is history, there is style, and there is always the sense that this… pic.twitter.com/5vPIfulyYO

— The Panenka (@thepanenkafc) May 31, 2026

Who are Netherlands playing in the Group Phase?

Sunday June 14: Netherlands vs Japan (9pm British Summer Time), ITV1, Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, United States.

Saturday June 20: Netherlands vs Sweden (6pm British Summer Time), BBC One, Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States.

Friday June 26: Tunisia vs Netherlands (12am British Summer Time), BBC, Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Route to the Final

Despite having quite a competitive group, the Netherlands would still be considered as favourites to finish top. If they are to do that it would be likely that their Round of 32 tie would be a tricky game against Morocco. In the event that Ronald Koeman’s men make it to the last 16 it would be a more favourable tie against possibly Czechia or Canada. However, the likely quarter final clash against France would probably be a step too far for Virgil Van Dijk and co and it could be another four year wait at least for the World Cup victory.