Netherlands World Cup 2026 guide: Fixtures, prediction, key player and odds | OneFootball

Der Oranje chasing down first-ever world title in United States

The Netherlands have something of a disappointing history in the World Cup. Perennial nearly men, they have thrice reached the final but are yet to take the trophy home.

The Oranje’s fortunes took something of a nosedive when they failed to qualify for the Russia World Cup in 2018 after finishing second and third in the two tournaments prior, but Ronald Koeman has a strong squad at his disposal and will be confident of restoring this once-great footballing nation to the game’s top table.

With more than half of the players in his squad - 15 out of 16 - plucked from the Premier League, he has the necessary tools to put together a tidy run in the United States.

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs

Defenders: Nathan Ake, Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jurrien Timber, Micky van de Ven

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Teun Koopmeiners, Noah Lang, Tijjani Reijnders, Marten de Roon, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer

Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Justin Kluivert, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst

Striker Wout Weghorst produced some iconic moments during the Netherlands run to the EURO 2024 semi-finals

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(All times BST)

Netherlands vs Japan (9pm on June 14, AT&T stadium)

Netherlands vs Sweden (6pm on June 21, NRG Stadium)

Tunisia vs Netherlands (Midnight on June 26, Arrowhead Stadium)

Robin Roefs enjoyed a superb campaign with Sunderland and has been called up to the Netherlands’ World Cup squad despite having zero senior caps to his name

Unfortunately for Koeman, the Netherlands have been drawn into a tricky Group F. His side will face no easy games in the pool stage. They open their tournament against a remarkably well-drilled Japan side which made light work of Thomas Tuchel’s England in March, before facing Graham Potter’s rejuvenated Sweden, led by a strike partnership consisting of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. They close out the preliminary rounds against Tunisia, fresh off the back of an underwhelming last-16 exit at AFCON.

So, progression from the group stage is far from given, but the Dutch need only finish third to keep their chances of moving on alive. Come through the group stage, and they could be in danger of coming up against a powerhouse such as Brazil, Morocco or France. While they will be dreaming of finally summitting this competition, their hopes of doing so are slim.

If nothing else, Koeman’s squad is remarkably well-balanced - there are few standout talents, but there is quality and depth across the pitch. If any man stands to make a difference, though, it may well be Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber.

He has been key to Arsenal’s superb domestic and continental campaign, but his late-season injury worries will give supporters cause for concern. Having been called up in place of Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong, though, he will be under pressure to live up to his billing.

Difference maker: Jurrien Timber

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Latest Netherlands World Cup odds

To win the tournament: 16/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).