Netherlands
Netherlands (NED) have been drawn in Group F for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Japan, Sweden, Tunisia. Head coach Ronald Koeman leads the squad. Ranked #7 by FIFA, the team have made 11 World Cup appearance(s). Their opening match is on June 30 against Morocco at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey.
Ronald Koeman
NLRonald Koeman (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈroːnɑlt ˈkumɑn] ; born 21 March 1963) is a Dutch professional football manager and former player who is the manager of the Netherlands national team. Koeman scored over 250 goals whilst playing in defence for the majority of his career. Koeman was capable of playing both as a defender and as a midfielder; he frequently played as a sweeper, although he was equally known for his goalscoring, long-range shooting, and accuracy from free kicks and penalties. Born in Zaandam, Koeman began his career at Groningen before transferring to the Netherlands' most successful club Ajax in 1983, where they won the national Eredivisie title in 1984–85. Koeman was capable of playing both as a defender and as a midfielder; he frequently played as a sweeper, although he was equally known for his goalscoring, long-range shooting, and accuracy from free kicks and penalties.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals
- 2023 Nations League Semi-finals
- 2019-20 La Liga Champions (Barcelona)
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SQUAD
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GK Brighton goalkeeper and the Netherlands' emerging first-choice keeper. Currently plying his trade at Brighton, a commanding presence between the posts, Bart Verbruggen is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Netherlands. Has earned 15 international caps. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
GK Brentford goalkeeper and the Netherlands' backup keeper. Currently plying his trade at Brentford, a commanding presence between the posts, Mark Flekken is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Netherlands. Has earned 8 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
GK Genoa goalkeeper who spent over a decade at Feyenoord, winning two Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups. Bijlow is known for his excellent distribution with his feet and commanding presence in goal, having captained Feyenoord in the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, he has earned his place in the Netherlands squad.
DF Liverpool captain and Netherlands skipper, one of the best centre-backs of his generation. Currently plying his trade at Liverpool, a dependable defender, Virgil van Dijk combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Netherlands's backline. Has earned 75 international caps, scoring 7 goals, building significant international experience. Born in 1991, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
DF Manchester City centre-back/left-back and a versatile option in the Netherlands' defence. Currently plying his trade at Manchester City, a dependable defender, Nathan Aké combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Netherlands's backline. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
DF RB Leipzig defender and a versatile option in the Netherlands' backline. Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, a dependable defender, Lutsharel Geertruida combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Netherlands's backline. Has earned 12 international caps. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
DF Arsenal defender and a rising force in the Netherlands' backline. Currently plying his trade at Arsenal, a dependable defender, Jurriën Timber combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Netherlands's backline. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
DF Bayer Leverkusen right wing-back and one of the fastest full-backs in Europe. Currently plying his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, a dependable defender, Jeremie Frimpong combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Netherlands's backline. Has earned 10 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
DF Inter Milan right wing-back and a key attacking outlet for the Netherlands. Currently plying his trade at Inter Milan, a dependable defender, Denzel Dumfries combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Netherlands's backline. Has earned 55 international caps, scoring 5 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
DF Brighton centre-back who joined from NAC Breda in 2020 and became a regular starter after successful loan spells at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers, where he earned Player of the Season honors. Van Hecke was named Brighton's Player of the Year for 2024-25 and has been praised for his rapid improvement and defensive solidity.
DF Chelsea defender capable of playing centre-back or left-back, known for exceptional maturity and composure. Hato became Ajax's youngest-ever captain in a European match at 17 and was named Eredivisie Talent of the Year for 2024-25 before joining Chelsea for £35.5 million. At just 20 years old, he has already established himself as a key defensive option for the Netherlands.
DF Tottenham Hotspur centre-back renowned for his ball-playing abilities and physicality, ranked among the fastest players in professional football. Van de Ven was named Tottenham's Player of the Season for 2023-24 and helped the club win the 2025 UEFA Europa League. He has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Netherlands defensive line.
MF Juventus midfielder with exceptional long-range shooting ability. Currently plying his trade at Juventus, an industrious midfielder, Teun Koopmeiners excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Netherlands. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
MF AC Milan midfielder and a technical anchor of the Netherlands' midfield. Currently plying his trade at AC Milan, an industrious midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Netherlands. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
MF Liverpool midfielder and one of the Netherlands' most talented young midfielders. Currently plying his trade at Liverpool, an industrious midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Netherlands. Has earned 15 international caps. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
MF Barcelona midfielder and the technical heartbeat of the Netherlands. Currently plying his trade at Barcelona, an industrious midfielder, Frenkie de Jong excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Netherlands. Has earned 55 international caps, scoring 2 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
MF PSV Eindhoven midfielder and captain who joined from Bologna in 2023 after four seasons in Serie A. Schouten helped PSV win three consecutive Eredivisie titles and was appointed captain in July 2025. Known for his reliable passing and midfield control, he is a key component of the Netherlands engine room.
MF AZ Alkmaar midfielder who joined the club's academy at age nine and has been labelled a Kevin De Bruyne regen. Smit scored on his Europa League debut against Fenerbahce in 2024 and helped the Netherlands U19 win the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, earning Player of the Tournament honors. At just 20, he received his first senior Netherlands call-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
MF Feyenoord attacking midfielder wearing the number 10 shirt, capable of playing several positions through the middle. Valente earned promotion with Groningen before joining Feyenoord for approximately 7 million euros in 2025, making his debut in the Champions League qualifiers. Known for his strength, positioning, and creativity, he is a rising star in the Netherlands midfield.
MF Olympique de Marseille midfielder and twin brother of Arsenal's Jurrien Timber. Quinten rose through the ranks at Feyenoord to become captain, helping the club win the 2022-23 Eredivisie title before transferring to Marseille in January 2026. He scored his first international goal in a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania and brings energy and drive to the Netherlands midfield.
FW Dutch target man who scored twice against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Currently plying his trade at Ajax, a clinical forward, Wout Weghorst possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Netherlands's primary attacking threat. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 6 goals. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
FW One of the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorers. Currently plying his trade at Corinthians, a clinical forward, Memphis Depay possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Netherlands's primary attacking threat. Has earned 98 international caps, scoring 46 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
FW RB Leipzig midfielder and the Netherlands' next-generation talent. Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, an industrious midfielder, Xavi Simons excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Netherlands. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
FW Liverpool forward and the Netherlands' top scorer at the 2022 World Cup. Currently plying his trade at Liverpool, a clinical forward, Cody Gakpo possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Netherlands's primary attacking threat. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 14 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
FW Aston Villa forward and a pacy winger for the Netherlands. Currently plying his trade at Aston Villa, a clinical forward, Donyell Malen possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Netherlands's primary attacking threat. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 7 goals. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
FW Ajax striker and a young powerful forward for the Netherlands. Currently plying his trade at Ajax, a clinical forward, Brian Brobbey possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Netherlands's primary attacking threat. Has earned 10 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 11 previous tournament appearances.
FW Galatasaray forward on loan from Napoli, capable of playing as a left winger or left midfielder. Lang became the first Ajax player to score a hat-trick on his first league start in 60 years and went on to win Belgian league titles with Club Brugge. A natural attacker with flair and goal-scoring instinct, he brings European experience from spells at PSV, Napoli, and Galatasaray.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group F
GROUP RIVALS — Group F
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FAQ
- What group is Netherlands in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Netherlands are in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden, Tunisia.
- Who is the head coach of Netherlands?
- The head coach of Netherlands is Ronald Koeman.
- When is Netherlands's first World Cup match?
- June 30, 2026 against Morocco at Estadio BBVA.
- What is Netherlands's best World Cup finish?
- Netherlands's best result is Runner-up, with 11 total appearances.