Netherlands squad World Cup 2026: Which players will make it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

Between the sticks, the Netherlands are well covered with several excellent goalkeepers to choose from. Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is currently the front-runner to start as the Netherlands' main goalkeeper at the tournament next year. Mark Flekken, who recently completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, could also be a solid option for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow is another strong candidate and is expected to serve as a backup goalkeeper.

Defensively, the Dutch are currently among the best teams in the world. The Oranje have no shortage of talented defenders in their squad, led by captain Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool center-back has been a commanding presence at the back and will once again be responsible for ensuring that the Dutch remain solid in defense.

Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt is another experienced figure who who could be an option at the back for the Netherlands, while coach Ronald Koeman also has strong alternatives in Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake, Sam Beukema, and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Much like their center-backs, the Netherlands are well covered in the wider areas. The likes of Denzel Dumfries, Jeremie Frimpong, and Devyne Rensch are all solid options at right-back, while Micky van de Ven, Ian Maatsen, and the promising Jorrel Hato provide quality cover on the left side.

With Frimpong and Maatsen, Koeman would also have the freedom to play them as wing-backs, similar to their role at their respective clubs.

The Netherlands may not have the same numerical depth in midfield as they do in defense, but they certainly possess quality players capable of controlling and dictating the tempo of the game from the middle of the park.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong appears to have rediscovered his form under Hansi Flick, making him one of the most important players in the Dutch setup. De Jong’s ability to control the midfield and progress the ball into attacking areas will be crucial in determining the Netherlands’ success at the World Cup.

Mats Wieffer, Joey Veerman, and Quinten Timber are additional quality options who add depth and versatility to the midfield unit.

Along with a strong defence and midfield, the Dutch are well equipped in attack as well. Memphis Depay, who is tied with the legendary Robin van Persie as the all-time top scorer for the Oranje, is a key figure in the frontline and will once again shoulder the responsibility in the final third.

Cody Gakpo has also been excellent for the national team and will be instrumental in determining the Netherlands' success at the showpiece event next year, while the likes of Justin Kluivert, Donyell Malen, and Joshua Zirkzee have shown their potential as well.

In conclusion, the Dutch are stacked across all three areas of the pitch and will be among the favorites to reach the latter stages of the knockout rounds at the 2026 World Cup.

The Dutch possess quality players across all three areas of the pitch, with some of the top footballing stars in Europe and around the world donning the iconic orange outfit. As mentioned previously, all-time Dutch top scorer Memphis Depay will have a vital role to play in the attack alongside the talented Cody Gakpo.

Meanwhile, in the middle of the park, Frenkie de Jong will have a major influence with his ball-playing skills and calm composure. De Jong has been excellent for Barcelona in recent times, playing an instrumental role in the Catalan side’s resurgence on the European stage. Tijjani Reijnders, on the other hand, will also be crucial in helping to hold the midfield for the Dutch.

Moving beyond the forwards and midfielders, centre-back Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt will carry the important responsibility of keeping opposition attacks in check.

Denzel Dumfries will be instrumental in the wider areas. The Inter star has been at the peak of his game playing for the Italian side and has also been pivotal out wide for the Dutch national team. Dumfries is a reliable presence in defence and has also contributed regularly in attack.

In goal, Bart Verbruggen is expected to retain his place as the team's first-choice goalkeeper, with Mark Flekken serving as the backup option.

Moving on to the defense, Koeman has consistently preferred a back four, with Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke starting at the heart of the defense. On the flanks, Denzel Dumfries and Nathan Ake are expected to provide width, offering both defensive stability and attacking support down the wings with Frimpong and Maatsen coming off the bench.

In midfield, Tijjani Reijnders and Frenkie de Jong are expected to operate in the double-pivot role. Their combination of composure and vision will be key to dictating the tempo of the game for Koeman's side.

Up front, Cody Gakpo's eye for goal and composed finishing makes him the main man up front alongside Memphis Depay, with a number of players vying for the final spot in attack down the right wing.

Predicted Netherlands starting XI (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Ake; De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Malen, Memphis, Gakpo