Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has named his 26-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with all-time top goalscorer Memphis Depay fit enough to lead the line after recovering from a thigh injury. Captain Virgil van Dijk anchors the defense, while Frenkie de Jong pulls the strings in midfield. However, Liverpool’s versatile Jeremie Frimpong is a notable omission.
The Oranje will be looking to improve on their run to the quarter-finals at Qatar 2022, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Argentina on penalties. Verbruggen has established himself as Koeman’s No. 1 thanks to his consistent performances for Brighton. Flekken provides experienced backup, while Bijlow despite injury struggles earns a spot as the third option.
Goalkeepers
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Bart Verbruggen | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Mark Flekken | Brentford |
| Justin Bijlow | Feyenoord |
Defenders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk (C) | Liverpool |
| Nathan Aké | Manchester City |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Bayern Munich |
| Jurriën Timber | Arsenal |
| Lutsharel Geertruida | RB Leipzig |
| Ian Maatsen | Borussia Dortmund |
| Daley Blind | Girona |
| Stefan de Vrij | Inter Milan |
Midfielders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona |
| Marten de Roon | Atalanta |
| Teun Koopmeiners | Atalanta |
| Joey Veerman | PSV Eindhoven |
| Xavi Simons | RB Leipzig |
| Ryan Gravenberch | Liverpool |
| Mats Wieffer | Brighton & Hove Albion |
Forwards
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Memphis Depay | Corinthians |
| Cody Gakpo | Liverpool |
| Donyell Malen | Roma |
| Wout Weghorst | Burnley |
| Noa Lang | PSV Eindhoven |
| Brian Brobbey | Ajax |
| Steven Bergwijn | Ajax |
| Crysencio Summerville | West Ham United |
Van Dijk captains the side and partners either Aké or De Ligt in central defense. Timber’s return from injury is a major boost his ability to play both centre-back and right-back gives Koeman tactical flexibility. Blind, at 36, brings invaluable experience and left-footed passing from the back. Maatsen provides youthful energy on the left flank. (Source: fifa.com)
Nederlandse selectie voor het WK 2026
Frenkie de Jong is the heartbeat of this team. When fit and in form, he controls the tempo like few others. Simons offers attacking thrust from midfield, while Koopmeiners provides goals from deep. Veerman and Wieffer add depth, with Wieffer emerging as a reliable defensive anchor.
Depay’s recovery is crucial. Despite his injury-hit season, he remains Netherlands’ most dangerous attacker when fit. Gakpo who shone at the 2022 World Cup with three goals will likely start on the left. Malen’s incredible form for Roma (14 goals in 18 SerieA matches) makes him undroppable on the right. Weghorst offers a classic plan B, while Brobbey and Summerville provide youthful energy off the bench.
Tournament Outlook
Strengths:
- Defensive depth (Van Dijk, Aké, De Ligt, Timber)
- Midfield creativity and control (De Jong, Simons, Koopmeiners)
- Attacking versatility (Gakpo, Malen, Depay)
Weaknesses:
- Depay’s fitness remains a concern
- Lack of a world-class right-back (Frimpong omitted)
- Goalkeeping lacks elite-level experience
Verdict: Netherlands have the quality to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals. A lot depends on Depay’s sharpness and De Jong’s ability to dictate games against top-tier opposition. If Koeman finds the right balance, the Oranje could be a dark horse for the title.
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