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Netherlands

Netherlands news

WC26 Power Rankings: Can anyone stop Messi & Argentina?

The first two rounds of 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures are in the books, and the tournament continues to provide plenty of thrilling moments. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there has been drama aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage.

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Record-breaking Messi leads

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

Netherlands v Sweden: Group F - FIFA World Cup 2026

Dumfries talks up Netherlands' hopes of World Cup glory

Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries firmly believes the Oranje have enough quality to win the 2026 World Cup following their dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden. The 30-year-old right-back insisted that confidence and energy are growing within Ronald Koeman's squad as they eye an unforgettable tournament run.

Tunisia vs Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2026 preview

Comprehensive match preview of Tunisia vs Netherlands at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

‘Simply the perfect footballer’ - Messi leaves De Jong in awe

Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has opened up about his deep admiration for Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine legend as the "perfect footballer". The Barcelona star reflected on his childhood days watching Messi shine under Pep Guardiola, revealing how incredibly special it felt to eventually share the pitch with his idol during their time together at Camp Nou.

Liverpool star Gakpo thriving in 'different freedom' with Netherlands after Sweden masterclass

Cody Gakpo inspired the Netherlands to a statement 5-1 victory over Sweden, leaving Liverpool fans wondering why they don't see this version of the winger more often. The 27-year-old was the architect of a Dutch masterclass in Houston, proving once again that he is a completely different beast when wearing the famous Oranje shirt.

Van Dijk suffers injury scare with Netherlands

Netherlands secured a spectacular 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second World Cup group-stage match on Saturday night, but the triumph was clouded by significant fitness scares for Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool's captain revealed a frightening moment during the clash where he temporarily lost feeling in his upper leg following a heavy blow to the hip.

Koeman critiques Dutch despite five-star Sweden win

Ronald Koeman has offered a mixed review of his Netherlands side following their dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden at the World Cup. While the Oranje boss was delighted with the impact of Brian Brobbey, he insisted there are still significant areas for improvement within the team.

Inside Brazil's Main Training Camp for FIFA World Cup 2026

Klopp fires back at ex-Real Madrid star over Van Dijk criticism

Jurgen Klopp has launched a fierce defence of Virgil van Dijk after the Netherlands captain was subjected to a bizarre critique from Rafael van der Vaart. The former Liverpool manager wasted no time in dismissing the pundit's assessment following the Oranje's opening Group Stage draw against Japan.

Gakpo silences Liverpool haters in dazzling Dutch display

Netherlands belatedly announced themselves as serious World Cup contenders by hammering Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday evening. The Dutch had performed only in patches in their opening-round draw with Japan and coach Ronald Koeman was criticised for his perceived conservatism. However, his team produced a devastating attack display to dismantle a Sweden side that had kicked off their campaign with a 5-1 win of their own, over Tunisia.

Dumfries demands 'fire' for Netherlands

Denzel Dumfries has called for a significant shift in the Netherlands' team culture, urging his international team-mates to adopt a more confrontational approach. The wing-back believes the squad must learn from the high-pressure environment of the Inter dressing room to ensure success on the world stage.

Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League

Man Utd told to sign Netherlands star after promising World Cup debut

Nicky Butt believes Manchester United should target Crysencio Summerville as part of a smarter recruitment strategy aimed at strengthening squad depth. The former midfielder praised the Netherlands international's explosive qualities and suggested he has the potential to become a regular starter if he can improve his consistency at the highest level.

World Cup player value tracker: Bouaddi joins the party as Barcola & Olise star

Excitement is growing as we move through the group stages at the 2026 World Cup and, throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of 10 of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...

Ajax Training Session and Press Conference

Ex-Netherlands star apologises for Japan remark

Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart has issued a formal apology following a wave of backlash over offensive comments made during the 2026 World Cup. The ex-Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder was working as a pundit for a Dutch broadcaster when he made a controversial remark regarding the appearance of Japan’s players after their 2-2 draw with the Oranje.

Netherlands v Japan: Group F - FIFA World Cup 2026

Kamada praises Glasner after dramatic World Cup equaliser

Daichi Kamada has praised the profound impact of his former Crystal Palace and Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner after scoring a crucial late equaliser for Japan against the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder credited the tactician for his successful transition into a deeper defensive role, which has revitalised his international career in the United States.

Van Dijk not a fan of World Cup hydration breaks

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his frustration with the mandatory hydration breaks introduced for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after his side's dramatic 2-2 draw with Japan, the veteran defender questioned the necessity of the stoppages in air-conditioned environments.

Betting spotlight

World Cup 2026 winner odds: Predictions and betting analysis

See more betting articles

Van der Vaart compares Van Dijk to a 'Boeing 747' after Japan draw

Rafael van der Vaart has launched a stinging attack on Virgil van Dijk, comparing the Netherlands captain to a commercial airliner following a shaky defensive display against Japan. Despite the Liverpool man finding the net in the 2-2 draw, Van der Vaart admitted he was stunned by the defender's lack of mobility during the Netherlands' World Cup opener.

Drab Dutch held despite Summerville moment of magic

The Netherlands conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. Second-half strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville looked to have got the Oranje over the line, but they were pegged back on both occasions as Group F began in Dallas.

Netherlands vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Netherlands vs Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups D, E, and F

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups D, E and F, plus NYC restaurants to watch matches and sample global flavors.

Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Netherlands 2026 kits revealed - from a new version of the iconic orange to a sleek new away strip.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations will make debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It will be the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and all will have ambitions of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages.

Why 2026 is the best managerial line up in World Cup history

The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. Over the course of the next week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.

Palmer & the biggest stars to miss out on the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations after descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.

Last Dance: Legends playing at their final World Cup in '26

The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.

World Cup 2026: The Ultimate Guide

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