Netherlands World Cup 2026 tickets

Current Squad & Key Players

Off the back of a convincing qualifying campaign, the Netherlands head into this summer's World Cup a team in form. Their squad is largely settled; however, as with any international football team, there is a need for evolution and experimentation, as you can see from their squad below.

November qualifying squad

GK: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
GK: Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
GK: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen)
DF: Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland)
DF: Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)
DF: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
DF: Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
DF: Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
DF: Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)
DF: Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
MF: Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur)
MF: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
MF: Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City)
MF: Jerdy Schouten (PSV)
MF: Quinten Timber (Feyenoord)
MF: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
MF: Luciano Valente (Feyenoord)
FW: Emanuel Emegha (Strasbourg)
FW: Memphis Depay (Corinthians)
FW: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
FW: Noa Lang (Napoli)
FW: Donyell Malen (Aston Villa)
FW: Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)

Key players

Virgil van Dijk - The captain and defensive leader. Van Dijk's aerial dominance, composure, and organisational skills make him the backbone of the Dutch defence.

Frenkie de Jong - The heartbeat of the midfield. De Jong controls tempo, breaks lines with his passing, and carries the ball under pressure. His ability to dictate play is crucial for the Netherlands' possession-based approach.

Cody Gakpo - A proven scorer at major tournaments. Gakpo netted three goals at the 2022 World Cup and repeated that feat at Euro 2024.

Notable omissions from the Netherlands's latest squad

Denzel Dumfries - A regular starter at right wing-back in recent tournaments and a key figure in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Ruled out with an ankle injury.

Jeremie Frimpong - One of Europe's most dynamic full-backs, known for his pace and attacking contributions. Expected to be in the squad but has struggled for form since his big-money move to Liverpool.

Brian Brobbey - Highly rated young striker who has been tipped as a future star for the Oranje. His omission means the forward line relies heavily on Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo.

The Netherlands' World Cup Qualification Journey

The Netherlands' path to the 2026 World Cup was nothing short of dominant. Placed in Group G alongside Poland, Finland, Malta, and Lithuania, the Oranje delivered an impressive unbeaten campaign, winning six out of eight matches and drawing the other two. Poland proved to be their bogey team throughout the qualifiers, as they were held to a 1-1 draw on both occasions they played. All-time top goal scorer Memphis Depay finished as their top scorer in qualifying with eight goals, while Liverpool's Cody Gakpo scored four. Take a look at the Netherlands' dominant qualifying record below.

• June 7, 2025: Finland 0–2 Netherlands
• June 10, 2025: Netherlands 8–0 Malta
• September 4, 2025: Netherlands 1–1 Poland
• September 7, 2025: Lithuania 2–3 Netherlands
• October 9, 2025: Malta 0–4 Netherlands
• October 12, 2025: Netherlands 4–0 Finland
• November 14, 2025: Poland 1–1 Netherlands
• November 17, 2025: Netherlands 4–0 Lithuania

The Netherlands' Group Assignment & Opponents

The Netherlands have been drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the European Playoff for the World Cup group stage.

The Netherlands' campaign begins on 14 June 2026 against Japan in Dallas, a fixture that will test Oranje against one of Asia's most technically gifted sides. Their second match is scheduled for 20 June against the Playoff winner in Houston, with potential opponents including Albania, Poland, Sweden, or Ukraine, all of whom bring strong European pedigree. The Netherlands' final group game will be on 25 June against Tunisia in Kansas City, a team known for their defensive organisation and ability to frustrate opponents.

This means the Netherlands are in a varied group, with opponents from Asia, Africa, and Europe, all offering contrasting styles of football. Japan are renowned for their speed and tactical discipline, Tunisia bring resilience and defensive strength, while the Playoff winner adds unpredictability and quality from Europe. The Netherlands, ranked among the world's top sides, head into their group as favourites to progress, especially given their record of reaching the final in 2010 and finishing third in 2014. On top of this, the Netherlands' depth, experience, and attacking talent should give them confidence heading into the tournament.

The Netherlands' World Cup 2026 Fixtures

The Netherlands face a tough start to their World Cup campaign with fixtures against two experienced sides and one unknown quantity; however, Oranje will fancy their chances of progression from Group F. Take a look at their group stage fixtures below:

• June 14, 2026 – Netherlands vs Japan (AT&T Stadium, Dallas, USA)
• June 20, 2026 – Netherlands vs Albania/Poland/Sweden/Ukraine (NRG Stadium, Houston, USA)
• June 25, 2026 – Tunisia vs Netherlands (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA)

The Netherlands's Tactical Approach & Playing Style

The Netherlands' tactical identity is deeply rooted in their "Total Football" heritage but adapted for modern demands. Manager Ronald Koeman favours a flexible 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, allowing the team to switch between control and defensive solidity. Their game revolves around ball retention, quick passing, and high pressing to regain possession early with midfield orchestrators Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders dictating the tempo, while attacking full-backs Denzel Dumfries or Jeremie Frimpong provide width and overloads. In transition, the Dutch exploit the pace of wide players Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen, making them a lethal threat on the counter. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk anchors a compact backline, which often includes three centre-backs with Micky van de Ven or Nathan Ake regularly deployed at left-back, ensuring balance between attack and protection. This blend of technical quality, pressing intensity, and tactical flexibility makes the Netherlands a formidable opponent, though breaking down deep defensive blocks remains a challenge, which could cause problems against lesser teams at the World Cup in the summer.

Host Cities & Venues Where the Netherlands Plays

AT&T Stadium in Dallas is one of the most iconic and technologically advanced venues in the United States. Renowned for its vast scale, retractable roof, and record-breaking video board, it is home to the Dallas Cowboys and has already staged global events such as the Super Bowl and Copa América matches. Hosting World Cup fixtures for the first time, including the Netherlands' opener against Japan on 14 June 2026, it offers cutting-edge facilities and Dallas' passionate fan culture.

NRG Stadium, known as Houston Stadium during the tournament, combines modern design with comfort and climate control thanks to its retractable roof. Opened in 2002, it is home to the Houston Texans and has hosted two Super Bowls, the NCAA Final Four, and international football fixtures. With its world-class amenities and Houston's sports tradition, it provides the perfect stage for the Netherlands' second group game against the European Playoff winner on 20 June 2026.

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City completes the trio. Famous for its steep seating bowl and reputation as the loudest stadium in the world, it is home to the Kansas City Chiefs and has a deep-rooted sporting history. Hosting the Netherlands' final group game against Tunisia on 25 June 2026, it promises a memorable occasion in a city with a proud football culture.

World Cup 2026 Fanzones for the Netherlands Supporters

The World Cup Fan Festival is the go-to destination for fans without a stadium ticket to watch World Cup games. Located across the host cities, fans can watch live match screenings, eat local food and see some top-tier entertainment, all while soaking in the tournament atmosphere. Below is a list of the fan zones already announced across the host cities and the ones that are suspected to play a part:

The Netherlands's Tournament Predictions & Chances

Although they may not be among the outright favourites, the Netherlands certainly have the talent and experience to mount a serious challenge at this summer's World Cup. While sides like England, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and France dominate the headlines, the Oranje could thrive under the underdog label, easing the weight of expectation.

Currently ranked 7th in the World Rankings, Ronald Koeman's team have been navigating a transitional phase in recent years, but their qualifying campaign was a strong statement of intent. Winning six of eight matches and drawing the other two, the Netherlands demonstrated the defensive solidity and attacking efficiency needed to progress deep into the later rounds of the World Cup. Their performances in qualifying reinforce the fact that they remain a formidable force on the international stage. If Koeman can successfully integrate emerging talents with experienced leaders, the Oranje have every chance of going deep into the tournament and making a statement to the football world.

The Netherlands' World Cup History & Legacy

Despite never winning the World Cup, the Netherlands have reached the final three times, in 1974, 1978, and 2010. Known for their purist style, legendary players and "Total Football", they are one of the most storied sides in football history. The 1970s era defined Total Football, led by Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, it changed football forever, placing an emphasis on fluidity, positional interchange, and technical excellence, and is still influencing the styles of coaches today, including Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

Over the decades, the Oranje have been a conveyor belt of talent, including Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, and Wesley Sneijder, who carried the team to the 2010 World Cup final, only to suffer heartbreak against Spain after Andrés Iniesta's extra-time winner. Since then, World Cup results have fluctuated: a semi-final in 2014, failure to qualify in 2018, and a quarter-final exit in 2022 have left Dutch fans feeling pessimistic about their team's chances this time round. But, as they chase a first World Cup title in 2026, this summer's tournament offers a chance to re-establish themselves among football's elite.

The Netherlands's Squad Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• Elite defensive core: Van Dijk, De Ligt, Aké, and Van de Ven provide strength, aerial dominance, and composure, making the backline one of the most solid in the tournament.
• Versatile attack: Forwards like Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, and Donyell Malen bring flexibility and goal threat across multiple positions.
• Tactical flexibility: Koeman's ability to switch between 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 ensures adaptability against different opponents.

Weaknesses

• Lack of clinical finisher: No proven world-class striker. Despite being their all-time top scorer, Memphis Depay is inconsistent and younger options remain untested at this level.
• Goalkeeper uncertainty: Bart Verbruggen and Mark Flekken are solid but not elite compared to top-tier keepers.
• Struggles against deep blocks: They often find it hard to break down compact defences, lacking a true creative spark in the final third.

How to Buy World Cup 2026 Tickets for the Netherlands

The World Cup is the pinnacle of professional football, and it only comes around every four years, so tickets are in high demand and notoriously tricky to get your hands on. In fact, our customer service team gets a lot of fans who ask: How can I book World Cup tickets for a Netherlands game? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your flights across the pond.

1. Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
2. Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
3. Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
4. Click on the green 'Buy' button.
5. Complete the order form using your personal details.
6. Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
7. Click 'Make Payment'.
8. The tickets are now yours!

Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!