As the world now turns its attention to the biggest tournament in football, we’ll begin previewing all the teams that will be in Houston this summer. Next up is the Netherlands, a football powerhouse that has never been able to win on the biggest stage. Here’s a closer look at the roster, key storylines, and what to expect from the Dutch heading into the competition.

Team Information
- FIFA Ranking: 7
- Confederation: UEFA
- Manager: Ronald Koeman
- Captain: Virgil van Dijk
- Nickname: Oranje
- World Cup Appearance: 12th
- Best World Cup Finish: Runners-Up (1974, 1978, and 2010)
- World Cup Group: F

How They Qualified

The Netherlands competed in Group G of UEFA qualifying. The Dutch went undefeated, with six wins and two draws, to win the group. The Netherlands scored 27 goals in their eight games and allowed only four in a dominating qualifying campaign.

Qualification Record
- Wins: 6
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 0
- Goals Scored: 27
- Goals Conceded: 4

Notable Qualifying Result

The Netherlands ended up beating Poland by three points to win the group. The Dutch drew both of their games against the Polish. Memphis Depay scored in the away match, the second to last of the qualifying round, to all but seal the Netherlands winning the group.

Last Five Matches
- Netherlands 4-0 Finland (World Cup Qualification)
- Poland 1-1 Netherlands (World Cup Qualification)
- Netherlands 4-0 Lithuania (World Cup Qualification)
- Netherlands 2-1 Norway (Friendly)
- Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador (Friendly)

World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland)

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Jurriën Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea)

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

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

Key Players

Virgil van Dijk — Defender, Liverpool

Van Dijk will turn 35 during this tournament but he is showing no signs of slowing down. The Dutch captain is still a mainstay for Liverpool and one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He will anchor this Netherlands defense this summer and his aerial ability also makes him a real threat on set pieces.

Frenkie de Jong — Midfielder, Barcelona

The Barcelona man runs the Dutch midfield. Frenkie just turned 29 and he will likely anchor a midfield trio with Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders. He’ll come into this tournament fresh off a La Liga title at Barca.

Memphis Depay — Forward, Corinthians

Memphis is the Dutch’s all-time leading scorer with 55 goals in his 88 caps. He’s seen his career reborn with his move to Brazil with Corinthians. He made his World Cup debut in 2014 but Memphis is still only 32-years-old and looks to be leading the line for the Dutch at this tournament.

Young Player to Watch

Bart Verbruggen — Goalkeeper, Brighton & Hove Albion

Goalkeeper is a question mark heading into this tournament but it looks like Verbruggen’s job. Fellow 23-year-old Robin Roefs has no senior caps yet and veteran Mark Flekken looks like a natural backup to Verbruggen. The Brighton keeper had a good season in the Premier League and is one of the best young shot-stoppers in the world.

Predicted Starting XI

Biggest Storyline

The “best team to never win a World Cup” moniker still hangs over the Dutch as they head to North America this summer. The Netherlands will be looking to shed that label after losing in three different finals. The tough loss to eventual champion Argentina in the 2022 quarterfinals in penalty kicks should spur them on in 2026. Star playmaker Xavi Simons tore his ACL recently and will miss the tournament, leaving questions about who will be the creator for this side.

One Reason They Can Make a Deep Run

The Netherlands may have the best defense in the tournament with a starting four of likely Micky Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Denzel Dumfries. That doesn’t even include Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber. The Dutch only allowed four goals in qualifying and if they continue their stout defense and can get some goals from Memphis and Cody Gakpo, they could go a long way.

One Reason They Could Struggle

Defense is their strong suit, but can the Dutch score enough goals. They look to be relying on Memphis as the number 9 for this tournament with veteran Wout Weghorst also an option. The Netherlands also has some good young attackers in Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville. Whoever is relied on in the front three, they’re going to need find a consistent goal threat, or the Dutch could struggle.

Best-Case Scenario
Champions

Likely Finish
Quarterfinals or Semifinals, depending on the knockout draw

Floor
Round of 32

Quick Facts

Most Caps in Squad: Memphis Depay - 108
Top Scorer in Squad: Memphis Depay - 55
Average Squad Age: 27.0 years old
Previous World Cup Finish: Eliminated in Quarterfinals in 2022

Final Thoughts

Is this finally the year for the Netherlands? They come into this World Cup ranked 7th in the FIFA rankings. They may not be the flashiest team but the old adage says that defense wins championships and the Dutch may have the best in this tournament. If everything breaks right and this team comes together, don’t rule out them going on a dark horse run all the way to the final in New York/New Jersey.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Netherlands

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