Updated: 31 May 2026 14:46 BST |
5 min read
Netherlands are hoping to play the role of tournament dark horses when they take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
The three-time runners-up booked their place in the biggest competition in world football on the back of an unbeaten qualification campaign which saw them top Group G with six wins and two draws.
While Oranje head to North America in hope rather than expectation of winning their elusive first World Cup, they are boosted by the presence of Ronald Koeman, who has impressed across two spells as manager.
As the World Cup draws ever closer, FootballTransfers has decided to run the rule over the 26 men chosen to represent Netherlands this summer, and take a look at how they may line up in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
Goalkeepers (Bart Verbruggen, Robin Roefs, Mark Flekken)
There are few countries who boast a better set of goalkeepers than Netherlands, with their three chosen shot-stoppers heading to the World Cup on the back of excellent seasons at club level.
Bart Verbruggen has emerged as arguably the best young goalkeeper in the Premier League, with the 23-year-old having a huge hand in Brighton and Hove Albion clinching UEFA Conference League football for next season.
Robin Roefs was one of the main reasons why Sunderland defied all expectations by finishing sixth and qualifying for next season’s UEFA Europa League, with the 23-year-old keeping 10 clean sheets in 2025-26.
Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen have joined Sunderland in the Europa League next season thanks to Mark Flekken’s efforts between the sticks, with the 32-year-old having kept six clean sheets this term.
Defenders (Nathan Ake, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Jurrien Timber, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven)
Another area where Netherlands excel is in defence, with Koeman’s side boasting a lovely balance of right-footed and left-footed centre-backs.
Virgil van Dijk may have endured a difficult season with Liverpool but the captain remains the leader at the back, while Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has returned to fitness at just the right time.
One defender to keep an eye out for is Jan Paul van Hecke, whose ball-playing abilities caught the eye in a Brighton side which finished seventh in the Premier League.
Midfielders (Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer)
Fresh from helping Barcelona win a second successive La Liga title, Frenkie de Jong is the beating heart of Netherlands’ midfield under Koeman.
And while they may have had up-and-down seasons for Juventus and Manchester City respectively, Oranje are hoping Teun Koopmeiners and Tijjani Reijnders can inject goals by crashing the box this summer.
With 14 goals and four assists for Eredivisie champions PSV this season, attacking midfielder Guus Til will be hoping to replicate his club form on the international stage.
Forwards (Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Justin Kluivert, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst)
An issue which has plagued them in recent tournaments, Netherlands head to the World Cup without a prolific centre forward.
Having said that, Memphis Depay is still scoring goals at the age of 32 for Brazilian side Corinthians, while Brian Bobbey netted seven times in a solid first season in English football with Sunderland.
One man who will be looking to impress in attack is Crysencio Summerville, with the West Ham United winger understood to have attracted interest from several clubs following his side’s relegation to the Championship.
How will Netherlands line up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Having played key roles in the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifiers, Verbruggen, Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk, De Jong and Depay are all set to feature from the get go.
They are likely to be joined in the starting eleven by Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo, with the two wingers having each scored four goals in qualifying, placing them just behind top scorer Depay (eight).
Should Timber be passed fit to start alongside Van Dijk in Netherlands’ opening fixture against Japan on Sunday, 14 June, Micky van de Ven is expected to provide both pace and defensive solidity at left-back.
And on the other side of the pitch, right-back Denzel Dumfries will be tasked with injecting width into Netherlands’ attacking play, with the 30-year-old having scored five goals for Inter Milan this season.
Elsewhere, Ryan Gravenberch may compliment the deep-lying De Jong by starting as a box-to-box midfielder, while Reijnders will be hoping to add to his seven goals for Netherlands by operating just behind Depay.
Netherlands’ predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk (c), Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay.
As Netherlands go in search of their maiden World Cup, you can also get your hands on the trophy from LEGO, who have released a special set including a souvenir cup.
Similarly, The FIFA World Cup 2026™ ball is another iconic set that is unique to this competition. It is a LEGO replica of the size 5 football that will be used across North America this summer but is distinguished by popping open to display a packed stadium celebrating the winning team.
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