Netherlands World Cup 2026 squad: Full list, predicted lineup, depth chart, latest news

Netherlands will enter the 2026 World Cup with the tag of dark horses, a term that has long been used to describe Oranje after reaching at least the quarter-finals on their last three appearances in the tournament.

Ronald Koeman's side have put together a 10-match unbeaten streak since June 2025, albeit their most notable win during that period coming against Norway in a friendly in March.

A testing group awaits Netherlands with Japan, Sweden and Tunisia forming one of the most competitive foursomes in the competition.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the potential Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Netherlands World Cup 2026 full squad list

Netherlands named their final World Cup squad on May 27.

Netherlands World Cup 2026 predicted XI

Netherlands were handed a major blow when Xavi Simons - a potential starter in the final third - was ruled out of the tournament with a serious knee injury.

Jurrien Timber has also since been ruled out with a groin injury, with Lutsharel Geertruida brought in as his replacement.

With Koeman light on central creative players in this team, it leaves Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders in line to feature as a number 10, with Frenkie de Jong back fit to return in midfield after his absence during the March international break.

Donyell Malen's form for Roma could secure him the number nine role, potentially leaving who to choose on the right flank as Koeman's only attacking dilemma. Noa Lang may get the nod on that front.

Netherlands are blessed with an array of world-class defenders, yet a back four of Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven feels set in stone.

Netherlands World Cup 2026 predicted XI: Verbruggen, Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch; Lang, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen

Netherlands World Cup 2026 squad latest news

The injury sustained by Simons had dominated Netherlands' World Cup news of late, but Timber's absence is also a major blow for the national team.

On a more positive note, Malen has been in sensational form for Roma, contributing 13 goals and two assists from 16 starts in Serie A.

Cody Gakpo has one goal and two assists from his last six appearances for Liverpool in what is an improvement on his previous return since the turn of the year.