[REVISION HISTORY]

Belgium and Netherlands national team squad developments

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What changed

2026-09-28 21:01 UTC → 2026-10-06 16:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Coach Mark van Bommel has announced his first Belgium national team squad for the Nations League, navigating absences from Thibaut Courtois, Axel Witsel, and Thomas Meunier. The selection includes stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, alongside newcomers Kyriani Sabbe and Jari De Busser. Under new head coach Xavi Hernández, the Netherlands has begun a transition toward a “more attacking footballing philosophy.” Hernández’s first 26-man squad features captain Virgil van Dijk, who expressed a commitment to play for at least two more years, and debutant Ruben van Bommel. Notably, the roster excludes Memphis Depay. Hernández described his “direct and frank” conversation with the Corinthians striker as one of his most difficult decisions, though he maintained that “the door is not closed to Memphis, nor to any other player.” In competitive action, the Netherlands secured Xavi Hernández’s first victory as head coach with a 2-1 win against Serbia in Belgrade. Mexx Meerdink scored both goals for the Dutch side, including a first-half penalty and a decisive second-half strike. Despite the win, the team faced a setback when Cody Gakpo was forced off early due to injury. Recent developments show new talent emerging within the Dutch attacking options. Mexx Meerdink and Ruben van Bommel have received praise for their impact, though Meerdink’s performance included a mistake that led to a conceded goal. For the upcoming international break, the attacking lineup features Meerdink and Joshua Zirkzee following the withdrawals of Donyell Malen and Brian Brobbey. ~~Speculation regarding~~ Memphis ~~Depay’s return continues; while he remains absent, journalist Valentijn Driessen suggests Xavi’s~~ Depay has expressed frustration over his exclusion from the Nations League squad, acknowledging that his current ~~focus is limited to immediate matches, leaving room for~~ form has fallen below expectations. Depay reportedly intends to ~~reintegrate in future windows. In the youth setup,~~ use the ~~Belgium U19 squad has been announced for an upcoming friendly against~~ FIFA international break to focus on physical and technical training to regain his standing at both Corinthians and the ~~Netherlands in Uden, featuring several RSC Anderlecht players.~~ national team.

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