The Netherlands World Cup 2026: Odds, key players, predictions
The Netherlands have made three World Cup finals but have yet to lift the trophy. They’re arguably the most decorated team never to have won the tournament after being runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010. They arrive at World Cup 2026 looking to end that legacy, but do so without Xavi Simons, who ruptured his ACL playing for Tottenham.
Ronald Koeman’s squad does have plenty of talent and depth, though, and while the Oranje aren’t among the top favourites, they’re a team others will want to avoid. They are the oddsmakers’ favourites to win Group F ahead of Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
The Netherlands World Cup 2026 storylines
The road to the World Cup: How did The Netherlands qualify?
The Netherlands topped UEFA Group G. They did so without losing a single game, winning six and drawing two, with 27 goals scored and just four conceded. They sealed qualification in November after defeating Lithuania 4-0. Memphis Depay led Group G scoring, an extraordinary return to the fold for the striker.
- The Simons Blow: Xavi Simons was cruelly ruled out of the World Cup in April after rupturing his ACL. His absence has forced a rethink by Koeman.
- Prep Matches: Their results since qualifying have been mixed. Since the turn of the year, the Netherlands have a 2-1-1 mark without much firepower.
Past 5 matches for The Netherlands
| Opponent | Date | Result |
| Uzbekistan | June 8 | 2-1 Win |
| Algeria | June 3 | 1-0 Loss |
| Ecuador | March 31 | 1-1 Draw |
| Norway | March 27 | 2-1 Win |
| Lithuania | November 17 | 4-0 Win |
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The Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup odds
| To win the World Cup | +2000 |
| To win Group F | -138 |
| To advance from Group F | -1200 |
*Odds subject to change.
Reality check: How far can The Netherlands go?
Group F is best described as being The Netherlands’ to lose. Japan, Sweden and Tunisia aren’t walkovers, but Koeman’s side should have enough about them to get the points needed from the three matches. The problem for The Netherlands at times recently is they haven’t been clinical enough. They can create chances, but if they don’t finish them, they end up getting punished. Their defensive quality should give them the platform to attack teams.
5 key players for The Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk, defender, age 34
The captain of the team and a real leader on and off the field. He may not have had the best of seasons for Liverpool, but his reading of the game and dominance in the air and on the ground will be key to his country’s chances.
Frenkie de Jong, midfielder, age 29
The Barcelona midfielder is tasked with dictating the tempo. The Netherlands will want to control games, and de Jong will be crucial to those efforts.
Cody Gakpo, forward, age 27
One of the Netherlands’ best attackers. The Liverpool forward, who can play wide and centrally, has a good goalscoring record for his country and will be a starter for Koeman’s side.
Tijjani Reijnders, midfielder, age 27
One of the most improved midfielders in Europe with AC Milan. He’s got energy and the ability to make runs into the box to score. His quality will be relied on more in Simons’ absence.
Memphis Depay, forward, age 32
Depay has come back into form for The Netherlands and delivered in the only way he knows how, by scoring goals. While there may be some fitness concerns, Koeman had to take him on merit.
The Netherlands’ top players by position
- Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen – Brighton’s first-choice and one of the best young keepers in the world. He’s commanding, a good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet.
- Defender: Virgil van Dijk – Regardless of recent form, he remains one of the best central defenders in world soccer. His leadership qualities will be key for the Netherlands this summer.
- Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong – The Netherlands will be relying on their midfield to link defence to attack. It’s what de Jong specializes in.
- Forward: Cody Gakpo – Like Van Dijk, Gakpo hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons with Liverpool. But for The Netherlands, he’s consistent and always a goal threat.
Emerging talents for The Netherlands
Jorrel Hato, defender
The 20-year-old defender has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season. Playing at both left-back and centre-back, he has pace and is composed on the ball.
Robin Roefs, goalkeeper
He’s been a revelation for Sunderland this season on their return to the Premier League. The 23-year-old’s been instrumental in them not only staying up but also qualifying for Europe. He’s a genuine contender for the position.
Crysencio Summerville, winger
It’s been a season to forget for West Ham, who were relegated on the final day of the Premier League campaign. But Summerville, 24, was a shining light and scored some excellent goals. He debuted for his country recently and will be looking to use his dazzling runs at the World Cup to land a big move this summer.
The Netherlands Group F schedule
| Match | Date | Opponent | Location |
| Match 9 | June 14, 2026 | Japan | Dallas |
| Match 38 | June 20, 2026 | Sweden | Houston |
| Match 67 | June 26, 2026 | Tunisia | Kansas City |
The Netherlands vs. Group F opponents
- Japan: The Netherlands own a 2-1-0 record, with the most recent result a 2-2 draw in 2013
- Sweden: 20 matches dating back to 1908. The Netherlands own a 9-4-7 edge. The last met in 2017 during, a 2-0 win for The Netherlands.
- Tunisia: A win and two draws, one of which came in their last meeting, a friendly ending 1-1.
The Netherlands manager
Ronald Koeman, 63, was appointed in 2023. The Dutch legend guided The Netherlands to the semifinals at Euro 2024, where they were defeated by England. His system is built on defensive solidity, and relies on key players in the final third to do the business to win games.
The Netherlands kits
Both The Netherlands kits are made by Nike. The home shirt uses the most vibrant orange ever seen on a Dutch shirt and includes black cuffs and side panels. The away kit revives the old all-white look, with a band across the chest in a gradient of orange tones.
The Netherlands World Cup history
- Appearances: 11
- Best finish: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)
- All-time World Cup Goals: 96
- All-time top scorer at the World Cup: Johnny Rep (7)
- Most World Cup appearances: Wesley Sneijder (17)
How did The Netherlands do at the 2022 World Cup?
The Netherlands were knocked out in the quarterfinals at Qatar 2022 on penalties by eventual winners Argentina. They had qualified out of Group A, where they defeated Senegal and Qatar by 2-0 scorelines and drew 1-1 with Ecuador. They beat the United States 3-1 in the Round of 16 before losing to Argentina.
Memorable World Cup matches for The Netherlands
The 1974 final saw the Netherlands take the lead against West Germany before eventually losing 2-1 in one of the World Cup’s great near misses. The 2010 final saw them lose out to an extra-time strike by Andres Iniesta. In 2014, The Netherlands produced a stunning 5-1 win over Spain in the group stage, with Robin van Persie scoring an iconic diving header.
| Feature image courtesy AP Photo/Peter Dejong via Canadian Press Images. Statistics via FBRef.com, ESPN.com and 11v11.com. |
FAQ about The Netherlands at the World Cup
1 What are The Netherlands ranked by FIFA?
The Netherlands are currently No. 8 in the FIFA rankings
2 How many times have The Netherlands played in the World Cup?
The Netherlands have played in 11 World Cups.
3 What is The Netherlands’ nickname and what does it mean?
“Oranje” — Orange, in reference to the royal House of Orange-Nassau and their home kit colour.
4 Who is The all-time leading scorer The Netherlands?
Memphis Depay has 55 goals in 109 appearances for his country.
5 Who is the top World Cup scorer for The Netherlands?
Johnny Rep. He scored 7 goals across two tournaments.
6 Who has the most caps for The Netherlands?
Wesley Sneijder with 134 caps for his country.
7 Who has the most World Cup appearances for The Netherlands?
Wesley Sneijder made 17 appearances at World Cups.
8 When will The Netherlands play their first match at the World Cup 2026?
June 14, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET against Japan in Dallas.
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