Netherlands Return With Experience, Leadership and Unfinished Business

The Netherlands secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Lithuania, finishing top of their qualifying group. Reuters reported that Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring before Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen added second-half goals. Coach Ronald Koeman has praised the quality and potential of his squad, pointing to leaders such as Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay. The Netherlands have reached three World Cup finals in their history but have never won the tournament, making 2026 another opportunity to turn talent into a historic breakthrough.

Players to watch: Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo, Ronald Koeman, Tijjani Reijnders, Xavi Simons, Donyell Malen.

Group opponents: Japan, European Playoff B winner, Tunisia.