All you need to know about Netherlands' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Dutch have always been a footballing powerhouse. However, when it comes to winning trophies on the biggest stage, they have often been out of luck. The Netherlands made it to the World Cup final three times, consecutively in 1974 and 1978, and once again in 2010. Nevertheless, the Oranje fell short on all three occasions.
They did manage to avenge their loss to Spain from the 2010 final four years later in Brazil as they defeated their rivals 5-1 in their opening game of the 2014 World Cup. They went on to reach the semi-finals but were knocked out by Argentina in a gruelling penalty shootout.
In the 2018 World Cup, the Netherlands missed out entirely, failing to qualify after finishing third in their qualifying group behind France and Sweden.
In the most recent edition of the tournament in 2022, the Dutch once again suffered defeat at the hands of Argentina in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regular time.
Will their luck finally change in the upcoming edition of the showpiece event next year? Let's find out by looking at their squad strength.
Between the sticks, the Netherlands are well covered with several excellent goalkeepers to choose from. Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is currently the front-runner to start as the Netherlands' main goalkeeper at the tournament next year. Mark Flekken, who recently completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, could also be a solid option for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow is another strong candidate and is expected to serve as a backup goalkeeper.
Player
Club
Mark Flekken
Bayer Leverkusen
Justin Bijlow
Feyenoord
Bart Verbruggen
Brighton
Kjell Scherpen
Brighton
Nick Olij
PSV
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Defenders
Defensively, the Dutch are currently among the best teams in the world. The Oranje have no shortage of talented defenders in their squad, led by captain Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool center-back has been a commanding presence at the back and will once again be responsible for ensuring that the Dutch remain solid in defense.
Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt is another experienced figure who who could be an option at the back for the Netherlands, while coach Ronald Koeman also has strong alternatives in Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake, Sam Beukema, and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Much like their center-backs, the Netherlands are well covered in the wider areas. The likes of Denzel Dumfries, Jeremie Frimpong, and Devyne Rensch are all solid options at right-back, while Micky van de Ven, Ian Maatsen, and the promising Jorrel Hato provide quality cover on the left side.
With Frimpong and Maatsen, Koeman would also have the freedom to play them as wing-backs, similar to their role at their respective clubs.
Player
Club
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool
Denzel Dumfries
Inter Milan
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham
Jan Paul van Hecke
Brighton
Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool
Stefan de Vrij
Inter Milan
Nathan Ake
Manchester City
Lutsharel Geertruida
RB Leipzig
Matthijs de Ligt
Manchester United
Ian Maatsen
Aston Villa
Jorrel Hato
Ajax
Jurrien Timber
Arsenal
Sven Botman
Newcastle United
Devyne Rensch
AS Roma
Youri Baas
Ajax
Sepp van den Berg
Brentford
Sam Beukema
Bologna
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Midfielders
The Netherlands may not have the same numerical depth in midfield as they do in defense, but they certainly possess quality players capable of controlling and dictating the tempo of the game from the middle of the park.
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong appears to have rediscovered his form under Hansi Flick, making him one of the most important players in the Dutch setup. De Jong’s ability to control the midfield and progress the ball into attacking areas will be crucial in determining the Netherlands’ success at the World Cup.
Apart from the Barca star, the likes of Tijjani Reijnders, who just moved to Manchester City and Juventus' Teun Koopmeiners could also be key figures in midfield. Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch has also been instrumental for both club and country and could be pivotal in Koeman's plans.
Mats Wieffer, Joey Veerman, and Quinten Timber are additional quality options who add depth and versatility to the midfield unit.
Player
Club
Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona
Xavi Simons
RB Leipzig
Teun Koopmeiners
Juventus
Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City
Mats Wieffer
Brighton
Joey Veerman
PSV
Jerdy Schouten
PSV
Guus Til
PSV
Quinten Timber
Feyenoord
Kenneth Taylor
Ajax
Steven Berghuis
Ajax
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool
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Attackers
Along with a strong defence and midfield, the Dutch are well equipped in attack as well. Memphis Depay, who is tied with the legendary Robin van Persie as the all-time top scorer for the Oranje, is a key figure in the frontline and will once again shoulder the responsibility in the final third.
Cody Gakpo has also been excellent for the national team and will be instrumental in determining the Netherlands' success at the showpiece event next year, while the likes of Justin Kluivert, Donyell Malen, and Joshua Zirkzee have shown their potential as well.
In conclusion, the Dutch are stacked across all three areas of the pitch and will be among the favorites to reach the latter stages of the knockout rounds at the 2026 World Cup.
