Heading to 2026: the present of the Oranje
The Netherlands team already has its path mapped out for the 2026 World Cup. It is in Group F, with Ronald Koeman as coach and Virgil van Dijk as captain. In the FIFA ranking, it is in seventh place (update April 2026).
Memphis Depay is the team’s all-time top scorer (55 goals), while Wesley Sneijder leads in appearances (134).
A cycle of ups and downs
The team went through a difficult period after being left out of Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. Koeman took over in 2018 and managed to take the Netherlands to the final of the Nations League in 2019, where they lost to Portugal. Then, with Frank de Boer, the team fell in the second round of Euro 2020. Louis van Gaal returned for the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals and were eliminated by Argentina on penalties.
Koeman returned to the bench and leads the process towards 2026. The preparation includes friendlies in March 2026 against Norway and Ecuador, with a squad of 26 players.
Identity and background
Orange is the titular color; the alternative jersey is blue. Nike has been the technical sponsor since 1996. The shield features a lion, a national symbol.
The Netherlands has been runner-up in the world three times (1974, 1978 and 2010) and obtained third place in 2014. Now, with a consolidated leadership, they seek to fight for the title again.




