World Cup 2026

Netherlands

Netherlands: Champions League Royalty Chasing World Cup Glory

Out at the Round of 32FIFA #7Group F — Japan · Sweden · Tunisia

FutAve take

The Story

Ranked seventh in the world and brimming with Premier League and European pedigree, the Netherlands arrive at 2026 as genuine title contenders under Ronald Koeman. With Virgil van Dijk marshalling the defence and a midfield stacked with elite club talent, Oranje are built to go deep — if they can stay healthy and cohesive when it matters most.

How they qualified

The Netherlands cruised through UEFA qualification unbeaten, finishing top of their group with an attacking record that turned heads across the continent. Ronald Koeman's side were ruthless and relentless, conceding barely anything while piling on goals at the other end — a campaign that announced this squad as one of Europe's most complete outfits heading into the tournament.

Why watch

This is a team with the tactical muscle to grind and the individual brilliance to dazzle. Group F pits them against Japan's elite press, Sweden's defensive discipline, and Tunisia's giant-killing instincts — three tests that will expose any weakness before a potential Round of 32 showdown with Morocco. Every match is a story. Oranje never do boring.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

Liverpool's commanding captain and the defensive spine on which every Dutch World Cup dream is built.

Why they matter

Van Dijk is more than a centre-back — he is the identity of this Netherlands side. His presence organises, intimidates and inspires in equal measure. When Group F's physical tests arrive, Koeman's defensive structure lives or dies by the Liverpool captain's authority.

Watch for

Watch how Van Dijk reads danger before it materialises — his positioning against Japan's rapid transitions and Morocco's press will be a masterclass in anticipation and leadership under the highest pressure.

The X-Factor

Tijjani Reijnders

Manchester City

Manchester City's dynamic midfielder who gives the Netherlands a creative gear that few midfields in the world can match.

Why they matter

Reijnders operates in the spaces between the lines with a freedom and intelligence that unlocks defensive blocks. In a group where Sweden and Tunisia will invite the Netherlands to break them down, his ability to find the pass nobody else sees could be decisive for qualification and beyond.

Watch for

Track his movement when the Netherlands have possession in the final third — his late arrivals into the box and his quick combination play in tight areas make him the midfielder most likely to produce the moments that end up on highlight reels.

The Veteran

Memphis Depay

Corinthians

The Netherlands' all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay carries the weight of a nation's attacking ambition into what may be his defining tournament.

Why they matter

Memphis is the emotional and historical heart of this attack. His record for the national team is unmatched, and his hunger to add a World Cup chapter to that legacy gives the Netherlands an edge rooted in desire as much as talent. Against Tunisia and Sweden, his ability to unlock low blocks will be

Watch for

Look for Memphis drifting into half-spaces and demanding the ball under pressure — his willingness to take responsibility in tight moments and carry Oranje when the game needs a spark separates him from every other striker in this squad.

The Glue Guy

Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool

Liverpool's engine in defensive midfield, Ryan Gravenberch gives the Netherlands the physical and positional foundation their attack needs to flourish.

Why they matter

Gravenberch does the unglamorous work that makes everything else function. His ability to win the ball, recycle possession and protect the backline against Japan's press and Morocco's intensity is what allows van Dijk to stay composed and Reijnders to roam freely.

Watch for

Watch how he positions himself when the Netherlands lose the ball — his recovery runs, his interceptions and his calm under pressure in the middle third are the invisible thread holding Koeman's system together in the most demanding moments.

The Breakout Candidate

Crysencio Summerville

West Ham United

West Ham's electric left winger who brings pace, directness and unpredictability to the Dutch attack at his first senior World Cup.

Why they matter

Summerville offers the Netherlands something genuinely different on the flank — raw, instinctive and almost impossible to prepare for. Against Sweden's rigid defensive shape and Morocco's high defensive line, his willingness to take on defenders one-v-one could be the key to unlocking doors that mor

Watch for

Watch him in transition moments when the Netherlands win the ball high up the pitch — his acceleration into space and his ability to beat a man in the first stride make him one of the most exciting wide players at this tournament and a potential breakout star of Group F.

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