Netherlands qualify for 2026 World Cup and aim to end title drought

The Dutch national football team secured an unbeaten qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing first in UEFA Group G with 20 points after six wins and two draws, highlighted by an 8‑0 victory over Malta. This marks the Netherlands' 12th appearance at a World Cup finals tournament, the first time the side has never been eliminated in the group stage.

Ronald Koeman continues as head coach, and the squad features goalkeepers Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs and Bart Verbruggen, defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké and Jurriën Timber, midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch, and attackers including Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo and Noa Lang. In the tournament's Group F the Netherlands will face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.

Commentary on the team stresses that, after three previous final appearances without a championship, the Netherlands are being viewed as one of the favorites to finally win the World Cup, hoping to break the so‑called “Oranje‑ban”.