Netherlands Coach Sees Strong Team for World Cup 2026

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has praised the quality and potential of his squad after the team secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Dutch team finished top of their qualifying group following a convincing 4-0 win over Lithuania on Monday, ensuring their place at the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Koeman expressed confidence in the depth of the squad, highlighting the level of competition among players as a key factor in improving team performance. “We simply have a great squad. There’s a lot of competition, and you can see that again with the players coming on as substitutes. These are difficult choices, because there’s so much quality,” he said. The Dutch coach emphasized that this internal competition is essential to bring out the best in all players.

He also stressed the importance of mutual accountability within the team. “If we tighten our expectations on each other a little bit, to make each other even bigger, stronger, and better, then a lot is possible,” Koeman added. The coach sees the experienced core of the team, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay, as instrumental in setting the standard and guiding younger players.

Koeman noted that leadership within the squad must come not only from the coach but also from senior players who have competed at the highest level for many years. “When young players come in, you need leadership. And that can’t always come from the coach,” he said. The experienced group, including Nathan Ake and Denzel Dumfries, provides guidance and support, helping to instill a winning mentality throughout the squad.

The Dutch coach also highlighted the team’s potential and the need to minimize mistakes at the World Cup. “This squad can play so well, so that’s why it’s sometimes difficult to accept that mistakes are made, because if you make those mistakes during a World Cup, you might just end up going home. And that would be a shame, because this is a great squad in terms of quality,” he explained.

Koeman’s remarks underline the high expectations for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. He believes that with the combination of experienced leaders and talented young players, the squad has the potential to compete strongly on the world stage. The team now waits for next month’s World Cup draw to determine their opponents in the group stage, with the aim of building momentum and performing at their best in the tournament.

The coach’s focus on competition, leadership, and discipline reflects his desire to maximize the squad’s strengths. By fostering an environment where players push each other to excel, Koeman hopes to ensure the Netherlands can challenge for top honors in the 2026 World Cup and show the world the quality of Dutch football.