Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

The Netherlands have appeared in three World Cup finals without ever winning the tournament, a record that makes them one of the most celebrated yet unlucky nations in the competition's history. They reached the final in 1974 (losing 2-1 to West Germany), in 1978 (losing 3-1 to Argentina after extra time), and in 2010 (losing 1-0 to Spain). Their 1970s sides, built on the Total Football philosophy of Johan Cruyff, are widely regarded as among the greatest teams never to win the World Cup. The Dutch also finished third in 2014, defeating Brazil 3-0 in the third-place play-off. They have 0 world titles.

Qualification

The Netherlands qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup by winning UEFA qualifying Group G, finishing with 20 points from 8 matches, three points ahead of second-placed Poland. Koeman's side was unbeaten throughout the campaign and clinched the group with a decisive 4-0 victory over Lithuania in their final qualifier. Poland, as runners-up, advanced to the UEFA play-offs, while the Netherlands secured an automatic berth.

Preparation

Ronald Koeman announced his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on 2026-05-27 at the KNVB Campus in Zeist. After warm-up losses to Algeria (0-1, 3 June) and a narrow 2-1 win over Uzbekistan (8 June, New York), the squad flew to Kansas City as their base. The build-up was marked by injury blows: Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was ruled out of the entire tournament on 8 June (groin), replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida; goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen suffered a hip bruise vs Uzbekistan but recovered to start both group matches. The Netherlands opened Group F on 14 June with a 2-2 draw against Japan (van Dijk 51', Summerville 64'; Japan equalised twice, Kamada 89'). Midfielder Quinten Timber sustained a mild concussion in a training collision on 18 June, missing both the Sweden and Tunisia group matches. Against Sweden on 20 June at NRG Stadium in Houston, Brobbey scored twice inside 17 minutes; Gakpo added a double (47', 54'); Summerville scored the fifth (89'). In their final group match on 26 June, the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City: Skhiri OG (3'), Brobbey (7'), Mastouri for Tunisia (54'), Van Hecke (62'). Brobbey scored his third WC goal; Memphis Depay earned his 112th cap, equalling Frank de Boer's Dutch field-player record. The Netherlands topped Group F with 7 points. On 27 June, Cody Gakpo's unborn son passed away; Gakpo decided to remain with the squad. Post-Tunisia, Koeman flagged defensive transition lapses ahead of the Round of 32. The team flew to Monterrey, Mexico on 28 June to face Morocco on Monday night (03:00 CET Tuesday) at BBVA Stadium. In the Round of 32 on 29 June at Estadio Monterrey, the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Morocco after extra time (Gakpo 72', Diop 90+1') and lost the penalty shootout 3-2, eliminating them from the tournament. Ronald Koeman announced on 1 July that he will not extend his contract as head coach following the exit; the KNVB is evaluating candidates for a successor ahead of the September Nations League fixtures.

Latest news

Ronald Koeman steps down as Netherlands head coach after World Cup elimination

· coach

Koeman told the KNVB he won't extend his contract, a day after the Round of 32 penalty exit to Morocco. He took responsibility, defended his tactics ('I would do the same again'), and cited wife Bartina's illness as reshaping his outlook. KNVB director Nigel de Jong said a successor is due before September's Nations League fixtures. His 64th match ended his second spell as coach.

Netherlands eliminated from World Cup by Morocco on penalties in Round of 32

· matches

Netherlands drew 1-1 with Morocco after extra time at Estadio Monterrey: Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute, Issa Diop equalised in the 90+1'. Morocco won the penalty shootout 3-2: Morocco's El Aynaoui hit the bar, Bounou saved Summerville's spot-kick, and Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty. The Netherlands were eliminated; Morocco advanced to face Canada.

Fit squad complete final Kansas City session; team flies to Monterrey for Morocco

· general

All 26 Netherlands squad members, including Cody Gakpo who suffered a personal loss on 27 June, were fit and present for the final training session in Kansas City before flying to Monterrey. The Round of 32 against Morocco is scheduled for Monday night (03:00 CET Tuesday) at BBVA Stadium, Monterrey. Koeman and Van Dijk are due to hold a press conference ahead of the fixture.

Cody Gakpo stays with Netherlands squad after loss of unborn son Elijah Raphael

· general

Gakpo's partner Noa van der Bij announced on 27 June that their unborn son, named Elijah Raphael Gakpo and due in October, passed away during pregnancy. Despite the devastating loss, Gakpo decided in consultation with his girlfriend to remain with the Netherlands squad. The KNVB stated: 'We are with Cody and his family. This is a very sad private situation. We support him in every way we can.'

Timber still training separately post-Tunisia; Koeman flags defensive lapses for Morocco

· injuries

First Kansas City session post-Tunisia win: Quinten Timber again trained alone on a side pitch, still recovering from the concussion that kept him out of the Sweden and Tunisia matches. Brobbey, Dumfries got extra running. Koeman: 'We had several moments in transition where our defense wasn't solid — even in the first minute they could have scored.' Morocco called 'a team that wants to attack'.

Oranje top Group F with 3-1 win over Tunisia; Brobbey's third goal, Depay equals cap record

· matches

Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City to finish Group F on 7 points. Skhiri own goal off Dumfries' cross (3'), Brobbey header off Van Dijk (7'), Mastouri header (54'), Van Hecke header off Reijnders' corner (62'). Brobbey's 3rd WC goal. Depay's 112th cap tied Frank de Boer's field-player record (Sneijder 134, Van der Sar 130 above). Face Morocco, Round of 32, Monterrey.

Koeman pre-Tunisia: 'We play to win and want first place; we can't prepare for the weather'

· general

Koeman at his pre-Tunisia press conference stated the aim is to win Group F, with no preference between Brazil or Morocco: 'We want to go very far in this tournament.' He flagged the weather risk: 'We can't prepare for everything; we can't prepare for the weather.' Gravenberch credited his Liverpool development for his World Cup form.

Full Netherlands squad trains in Kansas City ahead of Tunisia; all minor-concern players present

· general

On 24 June Netherlands completed their final pre-Tunisia training in Kansas City with the full squad, including five minor-concern players: Jan Paul van Hecke, Quinten Timber, Frenkie de Jong, Crysencio Summerville, and Virgil van Dijk. Media were admitted for 15 minutes. Thunderstorms were forecast for match night, raising a possible weather stoppage under FIFA protocol.

Dumfries confirms entire squad fit for Tunisia: Timber training with group, Summerville available

· injuries

Denzel Dumfries told reporters on 22 June that the Netherlands squad is fully fit ahead of the Tunisia group match: 'According to me everyone is fit, it all looks good.' He confirmed Quinten Timber is doing well, has trained with the group and is in good shape. Jan Paul van Hecke's bruised eye is cleared. Summerville had 'a sort of glue at his eyebrow' from the stitched wound but is available.

Timber returns to training field; starters recover after Sweden win; Summerville eyebrow stitched

· injuries

Recovery day in Kansas City after the 5-1 Sweden win. Timber returned to the field for ~1 hour individual work (concussion recovery). Starters and subs cycled out on yoga mats; only unused subs did full group training. Summerville had eyebrow wound stitched, trained on adjusted program. Van Dijk cycled normally; De Jong was first inside after a light session.

Quinten Timber stays behind in Kansas City, trains individually ahead of Tunisia match

· injuries

Quinten Timber did not travel with the squad to Houston for the Sweden match and instead remained in Kansas City, training individually while the rest of the squad flew to NRG Stadium. He is still recovering from the mild concussion sustained on 18 June. His availability for the third group match vs Tunisia has not yet been confirmed.

Oranje cruise past Sweden 5-1 in Houston to go top of Group F

· matches

The Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston on 20 June, moving to four points in Group F. Brobbey opened in the 5th minute and doubled in the 17th. Gakpo scored twice (47', 54'). Elanga pulled one back for Sweden (55'). Summerville scored the fifth (89') then was replaced after a head knock. Dumfries provided four assists.

Multiple minor concerns after Sweden match: Summerville head knock, Van Dijk nerve, De Jong knee pain, Brobbey hamstring

· injuries

Four players left the Sweden match with concerns. Summerville took a head knock from Lindelof's knee at 90+4' and did not return. Van Dijk felt upper leg numbness ('probably a nerve'). De Jong played through knee pain from the Timber training collision, calling it 'manageable'. Brobbey had slight hamstring complaints but said 'all good'. All four monitored for Tunisia.

Koeman praises Brobbey and Dumfries but still critical: 'That takes too much time'

· general

Koeman praised Brobbey's opening goal as containing 'everything you want', but also noted defensive lapses when Sweden shifted formation. Brobbey's hamstring complaint was flagged as a concern for the next starting lineup. Koeman said Memphis Depay 'accepts his role' as a substitute but was uncertain how long that would last. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima attended the Houston match.

Quinten Timber out for Sweden match after mild concussion in training

· injuries

Quinten Timber sustained a mild concussion in a training collision with Koopmeiners in Kansas City on 18 June, the day after his 25th birthday. Koopmeiners: 'He wanted to give me a chip and then it happened. Not a superhard collision, but you have to be careful.' Timber, a substitute vs Japan, misses the Sweden match. Twin brother Jurrien is already out of the tournament.

Full Netherlands squad trains together in Kansas City ahead of Sweden match

· general

The complete Netherlands squad trained together at Kansas City Current's facility on 17 June in cooler, rainy conditions after the extreme heat of the previous day. The session began at 17:30 Dutch time with only the first 15 minutes open to media. Koeman's squad will hold a final training session on Friday before travelling to Houston for the Sweden group match on Saturday 20 June.

Oranje draw 2-2 with Japan in Group F opener; Summerville and Van Dijk score

· matches

Oranje drew 2-2 with Japan in their Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Van Dijk (51') and Summerville (64') put the Dutch twice ahead, but Japan equalised through Nakamura's deflected shot (57') and Kamada's 89th-minute header. Verbruggen, who had been doubtful, started and played the full match.

Verbruggen passes fitness test; Koeman confirms full squad available for Japan opener

· injuries

On the eve of the Japan match, coach Ronald Koeman confirmed that Bart Verbruggen had recovered sufficiently from his hip bruise to start. Koeman said: 'We think he can reach the match on Sunday, but day-by-day we have to wait for that.' Verbruggen was ultimately cleared and started vs Japan on 14 June, playing the full 90 minutes.

Verbruggen misses second consecutive Kansas City training; Koeman calls it 'only a bruise'

· injuries

Verbruggen was absent from group training in Kansas City for the second day running on 11 June, working individually with a physiotherapist while 25 teammates trained in 30°C heat. Koeman said: 'It is only a bruise. We will determine day by day how far Bart is.' If he does not recover in time, Mark Flekken is expected to start against Japan.

Verbruggen sits out first Kansas City training on individual program; Geertruida present

· injuries

At the Netherlands' first Kansas City training on 10 June, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen did not train with the group, working individually after the hip injury he picked up against Uzbekistan; his availability for the 14 June opener against Japan remains uncertain. Only Flekken and Roefs kept goal with the squad. Timber's replacement Lutsharel Geertruida was present and trained.

Oranje land in Kansas City for World Cup base camp; Geertruida joins up

· general

The Netherlands travelled from New York to their World Cup base in Kansas City on 9 June, ending the pre-camp phase. Lutsharel Geertruida, called up to replace the injured Jurrien Timber, joined the squad in Kansas City. The team is based around the KC Current Training Facility ahead of their opening match against Japan on 14 June.

Jurrien Timber ruled out of the World Cup with a groin injury; Geertruida called up

· injuries

The KNVB announced on 8 June that Jurrien Timber is out of the 2026 World Cup, saying the 24-year-old defender is insufficiently recovered from a groin injury to take part in a medically responsible way. Timber had only just returned as a substitute in Arsenal's Champions League final. Koeman called it 'very tough for him'. Reserve defender Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland) replaces him.

Oranje edge Uzbekistan 2-1 in final warm-up but lose Verbruggen to injury and Til to a red card

· matches

In their last warm-up, the Netherlands beat Uzbekistan 2-1 at Icahn Stadium, New York, on 8 June. Cody Gakpo scored twice from the penalty spot, the winner deep in stoppage time (90+8) after Igor Sergeev's late equaliser. Guus Til was sent off for a deliberate handball, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen went off with a hip injury after a collision with Khusanov, replaced by Mark Flekken.

Timber takes full part in Oranje's first US training as New York pre-camp begins

· general

At the Netherlands' New York pre-camp (5-8 June), Jurrien Timber took full part in the squad's first group training on Friday 5 June. The defender, who returned from a groin problem to play around an hour of the Champions League final and was rested for the Algeria friendly, came through it, with Dutch media reporting he impressed and could feature in the opener against Japan on 14 June.

Oranje fly to the USA for final World Cup build-up; Timber boards fit as 26th man

· general

On Thursday 4 June the Netherlands squad and Koeman's staff flew from Schiphol to New York on a KLM Boeing 787-10 named 'Orange Blossom', departing just after 16:30. Jurrien Timber, the 26th and last to join, boarded fit that morning after his Champions League final. Oranje hold a pre-camp through 8 June, face Uzbekistan behind closed doors that day, then travel to their Kansas City base camp.

Oranje slip to surprise 0-1 farewell friendly defeat by Algeria at De Kuip; Roefs and Summerville debut

· matches

In their final home warm-up, the Netherlands lost 0-1 to Algeria at a sold-out De Kuip on 3 June. Oranje dominated (8-2 in shots) but Anis Hadj Moussa curled a late winner past Robin Roefs. Malen hit the post and a Reijnders goal was disallowed for offside. Roefs and Crysencio Summerville debuted for Oranje. Nathan Ake took a head knock but played on; Dumfries missed the game through suspension.

Oranje hold open training in Zeist; Summerville trains, Timber the lone absentee after Champions League final

· matches

The Netherlands held an open training in Zeist on Sunday 31 May. 25 of the 26 selected players took part, including uncapped Crysencio Summerville (West Ham). The only absentee was Jurrien Timber, a sub for an hour in Arsenal's Champions League final loss to PSG on penalties a day earlier; he joins later in the week. Standbys Geertruida and Maatsen trained as cover; Depay had reported Saturday.

Jurrien Timber passes late fitness test, starts Champions League final after groin problem

· injuries

Mikel Arteta confirmed Jurrien Timber fit to start Arsenal's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The defender had been sidelined since mid-March with a groin problem before returning to full training. His comeback, playing close to an hour in the final, eased concerns over his availability for the Netherlands' World Cup campaign.

Oranje squad reports to KNVB Campus in Zeist for start of World Cup preparation

· general

On Saturday 30 May the full 26-man Netherlands squad and staff gathered at the KNVB Campus in Zeist for the official start of preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The first public training session is scheduled for Sunday 31 May, ahead of the farewell friendly against Algeria at De Kuip on 3 June.

Farewell friendly Netherlands - Algeria at De Kuip on 3 June sold out

· matches

The KNVB confirmed that the warm-up match between the Netherlands and Algeria at Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) in Rotterdam on Wednesday 3 June, kickoff 20:45, is sold out. It is the final home fixture for Oranje before departing for the 2026 World Cup, with a second warm-up against Uzbekistan to follow on 8 June in New York.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Bart VerbruggenGKBrighton & Hove Albion
Robin RoefsGKSunderland
Mark FlekkenGKBayer Leverkusen
Virgil van DijkDFLiverpool
Denzel DumfriesDFInter Milan
Nathan AkeDFManchester City
Micky van de VenDFTottenham Hotspur
Jan Paul van HeckeDFBrighton & Hove Albion
Jorrel HatoDFChelsea
Lutsharel GeertruidaDFSunderland
Ryan GravenberchMFLiverpool
Tijjani ReijndersMFManchester City
Teun KoopmeinersMFJuventus
Frenkie de JongMFBarcelona
Quinten TimberMFMarseille
Marten de RoonMFAtalanta
Guus TilMFPSV Eindhoven
Mats WiefferMFBrighton & Hove Albion
Cody GakpoFWLiverpool
Donyell MalenFWRoma
Brian BrobbeyFWSunderland
Noa LangFWGalatasaray
Wout WeghorstFWAjax
Memphis DepayFWCorinthians
Justin KluivertFWBournemouth
Crysencio SummervilleFWWest Ham United

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