Netherlands at World Cup 2026: A First Title Within Reach?

The Netherlands have never fulfilled their potential at a World Cup, losing all three finals they have appeared in (1974, 1978, 2010). Even the generation that won Euro 1988 could not replicate that success on the global stage.

However, unlike previous golden generations that often fell short, the current, more modest squad should not be underestimated. Ronald Koeman's side went undefeated through eight qualifying matches, despite being held twice by Poland.

With a solid defence, a world-class midfield, and enough attacking threat to trouble any backline, the Dutch have an outside chance of winning the World Cup for the first time.

Reijnders – the midfield heartbeat

Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City has emerged as one of Europe's finest midfielders over the past few seasons. After two standout years at AC Milan, where he was named Serie A Best Midfielder, he joined Manchester City in 2025 and has adapted well to Pep Guardiola, even if he does not always start.

Although he has only scored five goals and provided two assists in 28 Premier League appearances this season, those numbers do not capture Reijnders's influence, especially at international level. He is an all-round player – adept at both attacking and defending, linking defence to attack, breaking up opposition moves and carrying the ball with confidence. Simply put, when Reijnders plays well, the Netherlands play well.

A solid core

Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool legend, may no longer be at his peak from a few years ago but remains a world-class, experienced centre-back. He leads a talented defence featuring Micky van de Ven, Jurrien Timber, and Jan Paul van Hecke.

In front of them, Ryan Gravenberch, a Liverpool star over the past two seasons, screens the backline and is capable of surging forward with dangerous runs. His teammate Cody Gakpo is a potent threat from wide areas and in front of goal, and has been one of Liverpool's best players during an otherwise disappointing season for the 2024/25 Premier League champions.

Injury concerns

The Netherlands suffered a major blow in April when creative midfielder Xavi Simons ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Tottenham. The most important player in the Dutch attack will be sidelined for months and will certainly miss the World Cup.

Memphis Depay, the national team's all-time leading scorer with 55 goals in 108 caps, is typically the focal point of the attack. However, his inconsistent form has long been a source of frustration at both club and international level. Depay remains in the squad despite featuring only twice as a substitute over the past two months due to a hamstring injury.

“I chose Memphis for what he can still show. I don't see anyone else in that position who can do it. I believe he can be an asset, but he has to get through the next period well,” said Koeman.

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is also a worry after a groin problem has kept him sidelined since March. “The plan is for him to train with Arsenal today to check his fitness for the weekend. They have the Champions League final on Saturday. We'll have to see if he is fit enough for that match,” Koeman said.

Koeman's second term

This is Koeman's second stint in charge of the national team, following his previous tenure from 2018 to 2020. After the Netherlands failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018, Koeman guided them to Euro 2020, but left before the tournament to coach Barcelona.

Now back after difficult spells at club level, Koeman remains popular with players from his first tenure and is respected as a Dutch football legend. His task is to balance world-class talent with a squad that has some uneven areas. He hopes to avoid the big egos and strong personalities that undermined previous, very talented Dutch sides. The current squad appears less prone to internal clashes than its predecessors.

What does the group look like?

Group F should give the Netherlands a relatively smooth path into the round of 32. Their toughest test is likely the opening match against Japan, a talented side considered a dark horse after beating England at Wembley in a friendly.

Sweden had a poor qualifying campaign but progressed via the playoffs thanks to the Nations League, and still boast dangerous players like Victor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga.

The final group match against Tunisia looks more comfortable; the North Africans lack a genuine star, though they are often a stubborn opponent difficult to beat in major tournaments.

Netherlands group-stage fixtures

14 June: Netherlands vs Japan (Dallas, USA), 20:00 GMT
20 June: Netherlands vs Sweden (Houston, USA), 17:00 GMT
24 June: Tunisia vs Netherlands (Kansas City, USA), 23:00 GMT

Al Jazeera prediction: Round of 16.

Although the Netherlands certainly have talent, the squad is not strong enough or cohesive enough to form a unit greater than the sum of its parts.

Netherlands preliminary squad for World Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen).

Defenders: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton).

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Guus Til (PSV Eindhoven), Mats Wieffer (Brighton).

Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham), Wout Weghorst (Ajax).