This article forms part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media outlets from the 48 nations participating. As the tournament approaches, previews from various countries will be shared daily starting on June 11.
Challenges Ahead
Ronald Koeman faces an unprecedented level of challenges as he prepares for the upcoming World Cup. His reputation as a meticulous perfectionist has made this preparation phase one of the most daunting in his tenure as head coach of the national team.
Injuries can complicate any team’s preparation, but when nearly half of the starting lineup is either out of commission or recovering from long-term injuries as the tournament nears, it becomes an alarming situation. Earlier this spring, Koeman emphasized his intent to select only those players who are fully fit and actively participating in games, yet that commitment has proven increasingly difficult to uphold.
Notably, Tottenham’s Xavi Simons is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in April and is not expected to return until next year. Similarly, PSV’s Jerdy Schouten is also on the mend from the same injury. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt, who has frequently partnered with Virgil van Dijk in defense, has yet to regain his full fitness following a back issue.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has had a disrupted season, while Inter’s Denzel Dumfries was out for four months. Additionally, Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders and Nathan Aké often found themselves on the bench, and Memphis Depay is recovering from a significant hamstring injury incurred at the end of his season in Brazil.
Netherlands: Group F Fixtures
14 June v Japan, Dallas (3pm local, 9pm BST, 15 June noon AEST)
20 June v Sweden, Houston (noon local, 6pm BST, 21 June 3am AEST)
25 June v Tunisia, Kansas City (6pm local, 26 June 12am BST, 26 June 9am AEST)
Koeman, influenced by Johan Cruyff’s football philosophy, typically favors an attacking style. Throughout the qualifiers, he adhered to a classic Dutch approach, but may now need to adapt his preferred 4-3-3 formation for the tournament.
In a challenging group consisting of Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia, the Netherlands must prioritize selecting their fittest and most capable players over those who merely embody the traditional Dutch footballing ethos. The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) has set a minimum goal of reaching the semi-finals; however, Koeman aspires to achieve even greater heights by winning the tournament, a goal that will demand significant effort.
“What I’d like people to say about my team is that they play with a lot of intensity, they can’t say we didn’t do enough,”
Koeman remarked to FIFA in May. “I want them to play with confidence, with personality, understanding their strengths, and to always show respect for every opponent, despite the presence of so-called smaller nations at the World Cup.”
The Coach’s Journey
During his time at Barcelona, Johan Cruyff once encouraged Ronald Koeman to share a room with an emerging talent named Pep Guardiola. Both players flourished under Cruyff’s attacking vision, which they carried into their coaching careers. Unique in the Netherlands, Koeman has achieved success with all three major clubs – Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV – both as a player and manager, earning him widespread respect and a strong rapport with his international squad.
As he heads into the World Cup, Koeman is also managing personal challenges; his wife, Bartina, is undergoing cancer treatment. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, her condition recurred in 2018 and 2023. Throughout the qualification process, Koeman occasionally left training camps to support her. He stated, “If I had to leave it was to be with my wife, but she is incredibly strong and positive. That is something very special. [But] it is very difficult. She cannot do everything she used to, and she gets tired more easily because of the side effects [of chemotherapy]. But we focus on the things that matter most to us and give her energy. That is something beautiful to see.”
Key Player to Watch
Traditionally, the Netherlands’ standout players have been forwards, but recent years have seen a decline in the production of elite strikers. Consequently, the team’s strongest unit has shifted to defense, anchored by the formidable Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool defender essentially serves as Koeman’s on-field representative, demonstrating leadership both in the locker room and during matches.
At 33, Van Dijk is the team’s undisputed captain and plays a crucial role in tactical discussions with Koeman and the federation. While he is not beyond criticism from his coach, Koeman insists, “I have to stay on his back to ensure he remains sharp. He knows that – it has been the case since our time at Southampton. But he is a fantastic leader.”
Unsung Hero
Micky van de Ven has garnered attention in the Netherlands for his struggles against relegation with Tottenham and has previously been omitted from Koeman’s squads due to concerns about injuries from excessive play. Having not come through a big-club academy, he worked his way to the Premier League via Volendam and Wolfsburg. His exceptional speed, fierce tackling, and relentless work ethic bring energy to the team. Recently, he has fought hard to secure a starting role just ahead of the World Cup.
What Fans Can Expect
American cities can expect a vibrant display of Dutch fan culture as the Oranje prepare to light up Kansas City, Dallas, and Houston. The iconic orange double-decker bus was shipped to the United States a month ahead of the tournament and will travel to every venue where the Netherlands competes. Thousands of Dutch supporters are expected to participate in city-center parades. On the bus’s upper deck, popular Dutch artists, DJs, and bands will perform, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Fans will also partake in the Links Rechts (left-right) routine to the tune of Snollebollekes.
US Relations and the Royal
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have made multiple visits to Donald Trump at the White House, seen as a strategic move to bolster ties between the Netherlands and the U.S., with the king acting as a diplomatic intermediary. However, public sentiment in the Netherlands toward Trump remains largely negative, with several prominent Dutch politicians previously labeling him as “a political charlatan.”
