Netherlands World Cup starting 11: Lineup and tactics for 2026

Netherlands rank eighth on the list of favourites to win World Cup 2026, as Ronald Koeman attempts to lead his country to their first ever title in the biggest tournament of all.

Runners-up on three occasions, the Netherlands have never before got their hands on the World Cup trophy. Can they finally get over the line this summer?

The group stage draw could have been kinder to the Dutch, who were drawn with Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in the first part of the competition.

They were moments away from beating Japan in their opening, however, and will be encouraged having edged a tricky game against a team who’ve proven to be a banana skin for many a top team in recent years.

The Netherlands have long been associated with a 4-3-3 formation, and that is the system they deployed against the Samurai Blue. Koeman, however, has been known to use other configurations and he has a flexible squad capable of playing in a 3-4-3 or a 4-2-3-1.

Can Ronald Koeman step up?

Ronald Koeman divides opinion. A legendary player for Barcelona and the Netherlands among others, Koeman has led both the Blaugrana and the Oranje as a manager.

He places a strong emphasis on discipline and organisation, and has at times been criticised for not playing the type of free-flowing football for which the Dutch are renowned.

This could be Koeman’s last tournament as the Netherlands boss, with reports suggesting he will not lead the national team beyond the summer. If he can bring home the trophy, Koeman will be the one to decide what happens next.

Prediction for Head Coach

Koeman will silence the doubters once and for all if he can lead the Netherlands to glory. Dutch fans are hoping to see their team impose themselves on games this summer, instead of simply adapting to the opposition. Koeman, however, tends to be more reactive than proactive.

The star player: Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk turns 35 in July, so this is likely to be his last World Cup. No matter what happens from here, Van Dijk is already established as one of the greatest central defenders of the 21st century. Even in 2025/26, when Liverpool struggled in the Premier League and the Champions League, Van Dijk performed consistently well.

His leadership skills will be just as important to the Netherlands as his footballing ability. Van Dijk helps to bring out the best in those around him, and Koeman will task the Liverpool defender with being the manager on the field this summer. He is also a big threat in the opposition box too, and proved it by heading the Dutch in front in their opener.

Prediction for Star Player

The Netherlands will lean on their defence, which is probably the strongest part of the team. As well as reading the game well and providing aerial prowess, Virgil van Dijk helps to start attacks from deep with his accurate forward passes. He will be integral to the Netherlands’ chances of a successful summer.

How the Netherlands lined up against Japan

Memphis Depay has been relied upon for a long time as the main striker for Oranje, so it was a slight surprise to see him start on the bench. Donyell Malen, however, ended the season in flying form for Roma and was preferred down the middle – rather than out wide. West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville started on the right, and scored the second goal.

How to bet on the Netherlands World Cup squad

There are specific betting markets relevant to the Netherlands starting XI for World Cup 2026. One of the most popular is the anytime goalscorer market. Memphis Depay is his country’s leading scorer of all time, but if the first game was any indicator, he may not be the main man this summer. Donyell Malen, Cody Gakpo or Crysencio Summerville may actually represent better value for sports bettors.

Some bookmakers also allow you to put money on a player registering an assist. Frenkie de Jong is one leading Dutch option; the Barcelona midfielder creates chances from open play and set-pieces. It is worth considering any member of the front three as well.

Another individual player market worth watching is cards. Virgil van Dijk and Jurriën Timber are candidates to be booked more than any other Dutch player. The centre-backs will have to stick their feet in and that could lead to them having their names taken by the referee. An alternative pick is Ryan Gravenberch in the centre of the park.

FAQ about the 2026 Netherlands World Cup squad

1. How many times have Netherlands won the World Cup?

The Netherlands have never won the World Cup, so they will be looking to become the ninth nation to lift the trophy this summer. The Netherlands have reached the final on three occasions, losing to West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978 and Spain in 2010. Only Germany have finished as runners-up more often than the Dutch.

2. Which players are injured and missing from the starting 11?

Xavi Simons suffered a serious knee injury towards the end of the club season, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Jerdy Schouten is missing for the same reason, while Stefan de Vrij and Matthijs de Ligt have also been ruled out of the upcoming 48-team event.

3. Are there any changes to Spain’s usual starting 11?

Several members of the starting XI that was chosen to face England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 will not be in the line-up this time around.

As well as the injured quartet of Stefan de Vrij, Jerdy Schouten, Xavi Simons and Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Aké is unlikely to be in Ronald Koeman’s starting XI for the Oranje’s opening games at the finals.

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About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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