PREVIEW: Netherlands set their sights on maiden World Cup triumph | OneFootball

The Netherlands will be hoping to reach new heights at the 2026 World Cup as Ronald Koeman’s side look to become world champions for the first time.

The Dutch have come agonisingly close to breaking their duck on the world stage in recent times, suffering a heart-breaking 1-0 defeat deep in extra-time against Spain in the 2010 final.

They followed up their third final defeat with a semi-final exit in Brazil before bowing out in the last eight in Qatar four years ago, failing to beat Argentina on penalties on both occasions.

Going unbeaten in qualifying, the Oranje were dealt a blow in their preparations for this month’s tournament as they lost 1-0 to Algeria in Rotterdam – a result which Koeman branded a “wake-up call.”

Their squad contains a strong core of players plying their trade in England, plenty of whom have struggled for form this campaign.

Captain Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool teammates Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo have been mainstays throughout qualifying yet there was no place for fellow Red Jeremie Frimpong.

Robin Roefs and Brian Brobbey were rewarded for their parts in Sunderland’s barnstorming return to the top flight, finishing seventh to qualify for the Europe League, with Brighton trio Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mats Wieffer also making the final 26 after reaching the Conference League.

Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has also been called up alongside his twin brother Quinten, who was omitted in 2022.

Former Burnley striker Wout Weghorst will be hoping to make a similar impact to his iconic substitute display against the Argentines in Lusail, scoring a brace to send the quarter final beyond regular time.

Further firepower will be provided by the Oranje’s all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay, who has overcome fitness issues to secure his spot in North America whilst Roma forward Donyell Malen enters into the tournament in great form, netting 14 goals in 18 appearances since making the switch from Aston Villa in January.

Depay isn’t the only Dutch inclusion whose fitness has been in doubt throughout the season and given the testing climate in North America, don’t be surprised to see Koeman’s side hamstrung by absentees.

The Netherlands have a somewhat tricky group to navigate if they are to continue their record of reaching the knockout stages in all of their World Cup appearances.

Japan romped through AFC qualification and have beaten the likes of Brazil and England in the last 12 months, whilst Tunisia were equally dominant en route to stamping their ticket.

Sweden made the tournament in peculiar fashion after failing to win a single qualifying group match but the likes of Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres can no doubt hurt the Dutch during the group stage.

The Netherlands begin their campaign against Japan in Dallas on Sunday 14th of June before meeting Sweden in Houston six days later and Tunisia in Kansas City at 00:00 (BST) on Friday 26th June.