Van Nistelrooy returns to Oranje: joins Koeman’s staff as Netherlands target 2026 World Cup glory | OneFootball

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be part of the Dutch national team's coaching staff for this summer's World Cup.

Van Nistelrooy will link up with the Netherlands from February 1st and assist head coach Ronald Koeman in preparation of the 2026 FIFAWorld Cup

The move represents a return to the national set-up for Van Nistelrooy. He previously worked alongside former Oranje manager Guus Hiddink at the 2014World Cup, held in Brazil.

The 49-year-old has been out of work since leaving Leicester City in June, following the Foxes' relegation from thePremier League.

Van Nistelrooy endured a tough time at the King Power Stadium. He replaced Steve Cooper at the Premier League side in November 2024 but was unable to halt a slide towards relegation. Van Nistelrooy won just 18.52% of his 27 games in charge before departing by mutual consent.

His previous coaching experience includes a spell at PSV Eindhoven and a short interim role withManchester United in 2024. He won the KNVB Cup with the former in 2022-23.

The Netherlands havebeen drawn in Group F at the World Cup and face Japan in the opening fixture on June 14th, in Arlington, Texas.

Their other group opponents are Tunisia and the winner of UEFA's Path B play-offs, due to be held in March. The Path B teams are Ukraine, Sweden, Poland and Albania.