The Netherlands compete in Group Six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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Best World Cup finish: Runners-up in 1974, 1978, and 2010
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FIFA ranking: 7
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Last World Cup appearance: 2022
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Nickname: Oranje
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Top clubs: Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord Rotterdam
Qualification: The Netherlands finished top of European qualifying Group 7 unbeaten, but had to wait until the final matchday — a 4–0 win over Lithuania — to confirm their place, with Poland in constant pursuit after two 1–1 draws between the two sides.
Coach: Ronald Koeman, who had a first stint as Dutch manager between 2018 and 2020 before Barcelona came calling, was reappointed in January 2023 to succeed Louis van Gaal after the Qatar World Cup. League-title winner with Ajax and PSV as a manager, Koeman is remembered as that commanding, free-kick-specialist defender of a previous era.
Star player: Virgil van Dijk. Despite some signs of decline this season at club level, Liverpool's defensive cornerstone remains indispensable for Oranje thanks to his authority and experience. A record 74 appearances as captain alongside 90 total international caps underline his status.
Ambitions: Without always dazzling, the Dutch will be among the more credible dark horse candidates at this American World Cup. They reached the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022 and the semi-finals of Euro 2024 in Germany, and are the clear favourites to top Group Six.