#7
FIFA Ranking
11
WC Appearances
Runners-up (3x)
Best Finish
2022
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Netherlands secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Europe qualification pathway. As a UEFA representative, they were among 16 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #7 in the FIFA World Rankings, Netherlands enters the tournament as a championship contender team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 11 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group F Analysis
Netherlands has been drawn in Group F and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group F Opponents
Japan
FIFA Ranking: #18 • Strong opponent
UEFA Playoff B
Unranked • Unknown opponent
Tunisia
FIFA Ranking: #40 • Moderate opponent
Group F Fixtures for Netherlands
Match 11
Jun 14, 2026
Netherlands
vs.
Japan
AT&T Stadium, Dallas
Match 29
Jun 20, 2026
Netherlands
vs.
UEFA Playoff B
NRG Stadium, Houston
Match 53
Jun 25, 2026
Tunisia
vs.
Netherlands
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Advance from the group stage as winners and make a deep knockout run. Quarter-finals should be the minimum expectation, with the squad quality to reach the semi-finals or Final.
Best-Case Scenario
Win the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team has the talent, experience, and tactical quality to compete with any opponent and lift the trophy.
Key Challenges
Managing expectations and pressure from fans and media. Avoiding complacency against lower-ranked opponents while staying sharp for potential clashes with other elite teams.
Can Netherlands Win the World Cup?
As a top-10 FIFA-ranked team, Netherlands is absolutely in the conversation for winning the 2026 World Cup. Elite teams at this level have the squad depth, tactical sophistication, and big-match experience needed to go all the way.
With previous deep World Cup runs, Netherlands has proven they can perform under pressure at the highest level. A favorable draw and strong form could see them lift the trophy.
World Cup History
Netherlands has appeared in 11 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a regular competitor on the global stage.
Their best result was Runners-up (3x), showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
They last competed in the 2022 World Cup. As recent participants, they bring current tournament experience to 2026.
Multiple World Cup appearances have allowed Netherlands to build experience and learn from both successes and setbacks on football's biggest stage.
Predict Netherlands's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Netherlands play at World Cup 2026?▾
Netherlands will play their first group stage match on June 14, 2026 against Japan. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group F with Netherlands?▾
Netherlands has been drawn into Group F alongside Japan, UEFA Playoff B and Tunisia. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Netherlands's best World Cup finish?▾
Netherlands's best World Cup finish is Runners-up (3x). This represents their peak performance at the World Cup and demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
Can Netherlands win the World Cup 2026?▾
Yes, Netherlands is one of the genuine contenders to win the 2026 World Cup. Ranked #7 in the FIFA World Rankings, they have the squad quality, tournament experience, and tactical expertise to compete for the title. While winning the World Cup requires excellence across seven matches and some fortune with draws and injuries, Netherlands certainly has the potential to lift the trophy.