Netherlands Wins FIFA Fair Play Award at 2026 World Cup

The Netherlands were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a penalty shoot‑out loss to Morocco. Despite the early exit, FIFA awarded the Dutch team the Fair Play Trophy, recognizing the most sporting side of the tournament. It was the Netherlands' first Fair Play award; the decision considered behavior on and off the field, not just the number of cards, as the Dutch received three yellow cards, equal to several other teams.

In the aftermath, Dutch manager Ronald Koeman resigned, and several players, including Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, returned to their clubs in England, while Frenkie de Jong headed back to Barcelona.

Separately, Indonesia hosted a diplomatic friendly match at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno stadium, pitting a combined team of the USA, Canada and Mexico against Indonesian officials. The event celebrated the World Cup’s unique three‑nation hosting arrangement and highlighted sport’s role in fostering international cooperation.