Al Ittihad Overview

Find out where to watch the Netherlands national team throughout FIFA World Cup 2026.

Fabio Cannavaro was caught up in an unexpected security check after arriving in the United States with the Uzbekistan national team. Footage circulating online shows the former Ballon d'Or winner having his belongings searched as part of extensive screening procedures ahead of Uzbekistan's friendly against the Netherlands.

The Netherlands narrowly escaped a major setback in their final pre-World Cup friendly, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Manhattan. A late stoppage-time penalty from Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo spared the blushes for Ronald Koeman's side, though the hard-fought triumph was heavily overshadowed by significant squad injury concerns.

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe as one country after another secured a spot at this summer's festival of football in North America. The final six participants were confirmed in March, with Sweden, Turkiye, Czechia and Bosnia & Herzegovina taking the four remaining slots in Europe, while Iraq and DR Congo came out of the inter-confederation play-offs.