The Netherlands have booked their return to the FIFA World Cup™ following a 4-0 victory over Lithuania on 17 November 2025.
Ronald Koeman’s side have enjoyed an unbeaten run in qualifying, including an 8-0 win over Malta and a 4-0 reverse of Finland, with the only blots on their copybook being home and away draws with Poland in September and November.
The Dutch missed out on a first tournament since 2002 in Russia seven years ago, but roared back to make the Qatar showpiece. Under the tutelage of Louis Van Gaal, the Oranje reached the last eight where they staged a remarkable two-goal comeback against Argentina, only to lose to the eventual winners on penalties. Koeman returned for a second spell in charge in 2023, and took his charges to the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2024, where they were edged out by England.
He can call upon a strong squad which is especially stacked in defensive and midfield areas. Captained by Virgil Van Dijk, the Liverpool centre-back is joined by the likes of Micky van de Ven, Jurrien Timber and Nathan Ake. Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders and Xavi Simons headline a well-balanced engine room, while Memphis Depay continues to score goals, becoming the nation’s leading scorer earlier this year.
The Netherlands have reached the final of the global showpiece on three occasions – in 1974, 1978 and 2010 – but suffered agonising defeats on each occasion to West Germany, Argentina and Spain, respectively.
The Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup
First appearance: 1934
Appearances: 12 (1934, 1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026)
Best result: Runners-up (1974, 1978 and 2010)
