The Netherlands enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America carrying high expectations despite significant challenges in their preparations. Joachim Klement, a UK-based German economist noted for accurately predicting the last three World Cup champions, has named the Dutch as potential winners this year. However, the team faces a demanding task to improve on their historic record of finishing as runners-up three times—in 1974, 1978, and 2010.

Under the management of Ronald Koeman, the Dutch national team is poised to open their Group F campaign against Japan in Dallas, a city with personal significance for Koeman. In 1994, Koeman played his last World Cup match there during a quarter-final loss to Brazil, the eventual champions. The Netherlands have reached the tournament’s knockout stages continuously since 1974, despite recent concerns about the team’s consistency and injury setbacks.

The Dutch Football Association has set semi-final progression as a minimum target, a goal some observers view as optimistic given recent form. The Oranje qualified unbeaten, but their build-up has been mixed. A defeat to Algeria in Rotterdam followed by a narrow win over Uzbekistan in a closed-door friendly in New York underlined inconsistent performances ahead of the tournament.

Injuries remain a significant obstacle. Defenders Jurrien Timber and Matthijs de Ligt have been sidelined, the former due to a lingering groin issue and the latter recovering from back surgery. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, Brighton’s first-choice keeper, is doubtful with a hip problem. Long-term absences also include Tottenham’s Xavi Simons and Jerdy Schouten. Key players such as Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, and Denzel Dumfries spent notable parts of the season dealing with fitness issues.

Memphis Depay, now 32 and playing in Brazil for Corinthians, is among several senior players potentially making their final World Cup appearance. He remains an influential figure, having recently surpassed Robin van Persie as the Netherlands’ second-highest European qualifying scorer. If not fully fit for the opener, Depay’s role in attack may be assumed by Donyell Malen, who has thrived on loan at Roma, in combination with West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

Koeman’s preferred 4-3-3 formation emphasizes midfield creativity and defensive solidity, with De Jong, Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, and Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders driving play. Defence continues to be a cornerstone, led by Virgil van Dijk, who will soon turn 35 after a demanding club season. Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven, both linked with Premier League moves, are expected to fill key defensive roles alongside Van Dijk.

More than half of the squad competes in England’s top flight, and Koeman counts on their experience to offset the team’s occasional lack of flair. The 63-year-old coach has also managed personal challenges during qualifying, balancing his responsibilities amid his wife Bartina’s ongoing cancer treatment.

While this iteration of the Dutch team may not evoke memories of the iconic Total Football sides of the 1970s or the 2010 squad’s creativity, Koeman remains optimistic about their potential. Whether the Netherlands can finally overturn their long-standing World Cup luck remains to be seen, but their rich history and latent talent ensure they cannot be discounted.