UEFA · Group F
Netherlands at FIFA World Cup 2026
Netherlands qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group F opponents
Netherlands plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Netherlands fixtures
Netherlands in the tournament
Netherlands arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #7 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 85/100. UEFA (Europe) sends 16 teams to the 2026 expanded tournament, the largest single-confederation allocation.
The 48-team format puts Netherlands in Group F with Japan, Tunisia, Sweden. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #27, with Netherlands the top-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Netherlands squad for World Cup 2026
Announced June 1, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Fred Rutten
Oranje return looking to rekindle former glories. Captain Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) anchors a Premier League-heavy defense; Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong runs the midfield alongside Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch; Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay lead the attack. Fred Rutten took over after Ronald Koeman's exit. Open against Japan in Dallas on June 14.
Goalkeepers3
- Bart Verbruggen(Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Mark Flekken(Bayer Leverkusen)
- Robin Roefs(Sunderland)
Defenders8
- Virgil van DijkCaptain(Liverpool)
- Denzel Dumfries(Inter)
- Nathan Ake(Manchester City)
- Jurrien Timber(Arsenal)
- Micky van de Ven(Tottenham Hotspur)
- Mats Wieffer(Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Jan Paul van Hecke(Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Jorrel Hato(Chelsea)
Midfielders8
- Frenkie de Jong(Barcelona)
- Marten de Roon(Atalanta)
- Tijjani Reijnders(Manchester City)
- Teun Koopmeiners(Juventus)
- Ryan Gravenberch(Liverpool)
- Justin Kluivert(Bournemouth)
- Quinten Timber(Marseille)
- Guus Til(PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards7
- Memphis Depay(Corinthians)
- Wout Weghorst(Ajax)
- Donyell Malen(Roma)
- Cody Gakpo(Liverpool)
- Noa Lang(Galatasaray)
- Brian Brobbey(Sunderland)
- Crysencio Summerville(West Ham United)
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Al Jazeera. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about Netherlands
When does Netherlands play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Netherlands plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 14, 2026. The opener is against JPN. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Netherlands in at the World Cup 2026?
Netherlands is in Group F alongside Japan, Tunisia, Sweden. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Netherlands's FIFA ranking?
Netherlands entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #7 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 10 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Netherlands win the World Cup 2026?
Netherlands's pre-tournament strength rating is 85/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are among the title favourites alongside the other top-strength sides. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.