Nation dossier · Group F · Advanced to knockout

Netherlands

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Group FUEFA

Latest Tunisia 1–3 Netherlands · Group F

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Title probability

4.7%

as of 2026-06-25

Overview

The Oranje arrive at 2026 as perennial contenders carrying generational talent but chasing that elusive first World Cup star. Ronald Koeman's side blends the steel of Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong with a thrilling new wave led by Xavi Simons and Tijjani Reijnders.

After a quarter-final exit in 2022 and a strong Euro 2024 semi-final run, expectations are high. The Dutch remain one of Europe's most technically gifted teams, but questions linger over their cutting edge in front of goal as Memphis Depay ages.

With a deep, versatile squad and tactical flexibility, the Netherlands believe this could finally be the tournament where they convert beautiful football into silverware.

Capital

Amsterdam

Population

17,700,000

Confederation

UEFA

FIFA code

NED

World

Region

From Wikipedia

Kingdom of the Netherlands fields one of the 48 national teams contesting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Source: Wikipedia →

Squad

Goalkeepers3

1
Bart Verbruggen
Brighton · Composed modern shot-stopper
18caps
12
Mark Flekken
Bayer Leverkusen · Calm distributor in reserve
12caps
23
Nick Olij
Feyenoord · Eredivisie form goalkeeper
1caps

Defenders8

2
Lutsharel Geertruida
RB Leipzig · Athletic full-back option
12caps
3
Stefan de Vrij
Inter Milan · Experienced central organizer
60caps
4
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool · Captain and defensive rock
80caps
5
Nathan Ake
Manchester City · Versatile left-sided defender
48caps
6
Jurrien Timber
Arsenal · Ball-playing utility defender
20caps
15
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham · Blistering pace at the back
15caps
17
Daley Blind
Girona · Veteran tactical intelligence
108caps
22
Denzel Dumfries
Inter Milan · Marauding right wing-back
68caps

Midfielders7

7
Xavi Simons
RB Leipzig · Creative spark and dribbler
30caps
8
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool · Powerful driving runner
22caps
14
Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City · Box-to-box engine
20caps
16
Jerdy Schouten
PSV · Disciplined holding midfielder
10caps
18
Quinten Timber
Feyenoord · Energetic midfield dynamo
6caps
20
Joey Veerman
PSV · Long-range passing range
8caps
21
Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona · Elegant midfield metronome
55caps

Forwards5

9
Brian Brobbey
Ajax · Powerful penalty-box presence
8caps
10
Memphis Depay
Corinthians · Record-chasing talisman
100caps
11
Cody Gakpo
Liverpool · Direct two-footed forward
35caps
13
Wout Weghorst
Hoffenheim · Towering impact substitute
40caps
19
Donyell Malen
Aston Villa · Pacey wide threat
40caps

Model

as of 2026-06-25

Champion4.7%

Reach final11.8%

Semi-final22.4%

Quarter-final49.7%

Round of 1661.1%

Advance from group100.0%

Exp. points

6.63

Proj. finish

13.3

Seed Elo

1940

Title-probability trajectory

Champion chance across the last 14 snapshots

Matches

Results

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

NRG Stadium, Houston

AT&T Stadium, Dallas

History

2010
Runners-up
2014
Third place
2022
Quarter-finals

Culture

Football culture

Orange-clad supporters turn every tournament into a rolling carnival of song and color. The Dutch prize attractive, attacking football almost as highly as winning, and debate tactics with near-philosophical intensity. Youth development and coaching education are world-renowned pillars of the game.

Did you know

Johan Cruyff's 'Total Football' reshaped the modern game forever.
About a third of the country sits below sea level.
The Dutch have lost three World Cup finals without ever winning.
More bicycles than people pack the Netherlands.
Oranje fandom turns stadiums into seas of orange smoke and song.