sports
Netherlands World Cup 2026 team guide
The Oranje had high hopes but a spate of injuries has tempered expectations
TL;DR
- A significant number of starting players for the Netherlands are injured, impacting World Cup preparations.
- Coach Ronald Koeman faces selection dilemmas and may need to alter the team's traditional attacking style.
- Key injured players include Xavi Simons, Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Denzel Dumfries, Tijjani Reijnders, Nathan Aké, and Memphis Depay.
- The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) has set a minimum target of reaching the semi-finals, with Koeman aiming to win the tournament.
- Virgil van Dijk is identified as the team's undisputed leader and strongest defensive player.
- Micky van de Ven's exceptional pace, tackling, and running are highlighted as key assets.
- The Netherlands' fan base is expected to create a lively atmosphere with a prominent orange double-decker bus and musical performances.
- Public opinion in the Netherlands towards Donald Trump is largely negative, despite official visits.