FIFA Ranking #8 · 11 World Cups · Best: Runners-up
Three-time World Cup finalists who have never won it, the Dutch under Koeman play thrilling attacking football that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Van Dijk's leadership, De Jong's creativity, and Simons's electric pace make them a genuine contender to finally claim the title that has eluded them for 50 years.
Group F opponents
Virgil van Dijk
⭐ Star PlayerLiverpool
Centre-Back / Captain
80
Caps
8
Goals
35
Age
Liverpool's iconic captain and one of the greatest defenders of his generation — still commanding and decisive at 35.
Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona
Central Midfielder
70
Caps
8
Goals
29
Age
Barcelona's elegant deep-lying creator — progressive passer and technical master who makes the Dutch tick from the base of midfield.
Xavi Simons
PSG / RB Leipzig
Attacking Midfielder / Winger
35
Caps
10
Goals
23
Age
The electrifying 23-year-old who burst onto the international scene at Euro 2024 — direct, creative, and capable of producing magic.
Cody Gakpo
Liverpool
Forward / Left Winger
42
Caps
18
Goals
26
Age
Liverpool's tall, versatile forward who scored three goals at the 2022 World Cup in just the group stage.
All times local to venue. Group stage results determine knockout seedings.
Japan
FIFA #16
AT&T Stadium
Arlington, TX
Sweden
FIFA #29
NRG Stadium
Houston, TX
Tunisia
FIFA #35
Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City, MO
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11
Appearances
0
Titles
#8
FIFA Rank
Runners-up
Best Result
Dutch Total Football under Cruyff produced the most beautiful football in 1974 and 1978, but they finished runners-up both times. A 2010 Final appearance in South Africa — lost to Spain's Iniesta extra-time winner — was their last chance. This generation, built around Liverpool and Barcelona players, represents another genuine opportunity.
Formation
Wide attacking triangle, pressing high up the pitch
Head Coach
Ronald Koeman
Dutch · 4-3-3
Ronald Koeman leads Netherlands into the 2026 World Cup with a 4-3-3 system built around the squad's strengths.
The three teams Netherlands must face in the group stage.
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