Netherlands World Cup 2026 team guide The Netherlands national football team, known as the Oranje, faces significant challenges in their World Cup 2026 preparations due to a high number of key player injuries. Coach Ronald Koeman, a proponent of attacking football, may need to abandon his preferred 4-3-3 formation and prioritize fittest players over stylistic adherence. Despite these setbacks, the team’s minimum target is the semi-finals, with an eye on winning the tournament, a goal that will require substantial effort.

• A significant number of starting players for the Netherlands are injured, impacting World Cup preparations.
• Coach Ronald Koeman faces selection dilemmas and may need to alter the team’s traditional attacking style.
• Key injured players include Xavi Simons, Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Denzel Dumfries, Tijjani Reijnders, Nathan Aké, and Memphis Depay.
• The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) has set a minimum target of reaching the semi-finals, with Koeman aiming to win the tournament.
• Virgil van Dijk is identified as the team’s undisputed leader and strongest defensive player.
• Micky van de Ven’s exceptional pace, tackling, and running are highlighted as key assets.
• The Netherlands’ fan base is expected to create a lively atmosphere with a prominent orange double-decker bus and musical performances.
• Public opinion in the Netherlands towards Donald Trump is largely negative, despite official visits.