Louis van Gaal has expressed openness to returning as head coach of the Netherlands national football team amid ongoing efforts to appoint a successor to Ronald Koeman. Koeman stepped down from the role following the Netherlands’ elimination from the 2026 World Cup, where they were knocked out by Morocco in a penalty shootout during the round of 32.

Van Gaal, 74 and soon to turn 75, is a familiar figure to Dutch football, having served as the national team’s manager on three separate occasions. His most recent tenure saw the Netherlands reach the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Since that tournament, he has not taken on a full-time coaching position, also battling prostate cancer in the same year.

Reports indicate that the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) approached both Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag for the head coach role, but both reportedly declined the opportunity. Van Gaal acknowledged in an interview with Dutch magazine Voetbal International that while a return is unlikely, he is not opposed to the idea.

“I always want to help the KNVB, just as I wanted to do at Ajax,” Van Gaal said. He highlighted the potential within the current squad, noting that a significant majority of players are based abroad at reputable clubs. “With a squad like that, there are possibilities, and I think that the Netherlands could potentially still become European or world champions.”

Van Gaal’s willingness to consider the role comes as the KNVB continues its search for a new manager capable of leading the Dutch team on the international stage.