The Netherlands will begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Japan on Tuesday night at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, hoping to leverage the strength of their Premier League-based players as they seek to win their first-ever World Cup title. Under the guidance of coach Ronald Koeman, the Dutch squad is bolstered by a significant contingent of players who competed in England’s top flight during the previous season.
A total of 15 Dutch internationals featured in the Premier League last term, the second-highest number behind England itself at the tournament. Leading the group is Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, a seasoned defender and key figure for the Oranje. Van Dijk will be joined by Liverpool teammates Ryan Gravenberch in midfield and forward Cody Gakpo as the nation looks to bring its trademark Total Football style to the tournament.
In defense, Koeman’s options include Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato, and Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke and Mats Wieffer. Manchester City players Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders are also part of the defensive and midfield setup, respectively. However, the squad suffered an injury setback with Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber ruled out shortly before the tournament, a position now filled by Lutsharel Geertruida, who recently played a key role in helping Sunderland reach the Europa League qualifiers.
The Dutch attack is reinforced by forwards including Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey and Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, alongside West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Donyell Malen, the latter having transferred from Aston Villa to Roma in the Italian league.
Goalkeeping duties primarily rest with Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, who was the first choice before a hip injury in the team’s recent 2-1 win against Uzbekistan raised concerns about his availability. Koeman remains hopeful Verbruggen will recover in time, with Sunderland’s Robin Roefs poised to take over if necessary.
Since arriving in the United States, the Dutch team have been embraced by local supporters, with “Welkom” signs greeting them on the route to their training base at the Kansas City Current’s facility. The local street name, Teal Rising Way, has been temporarily renamed “Oranje Rising Way” in homage to the team’s presence.
Despite never having won the World Cup, Holland has made three finals appearances, in 1974, 1978, and 2010, finishing as runners-up each time. They enter the tournament with optimism, buoyed by a current 12-match unbeaten streak in World Cup play, excluding penalty shootout defeats, a run second only to Brazil’s record between 1958 and 1966.
Van Dijk emphasized the focus on the opening match, stating that while Japan remains a formidable opponent with disciplined and skilled players, the team’s initial priority is securing victory in that game before turning attention to subsequent group matches against Sweden in Houston and Tunisia in Kansas City.
Koeman expressed confidence ahead of the kickoff, acknowledging the respect for their Japanese opponents while asserting that Holland’s status demands reciprocal respect. The coach referenced the team’s consistency in group-stage matches, noting they have avoided defeat in their last 16 games and the first nine opening matches at the tournament.
As the Dutch prepare to face Japan at 9 p.m. local time, the Premier League veterans will be pivotal in determining whether the Netherlands can finally capture the elusive World Cup trophy.