Predicted Netherlands World Cup XI

The Netherlands are one of the World Cup’s eternal bridesmaids. Despite being one of the most famous footballing nations on the planet, the Dutch have never won a World Cup trophy.

In 2026, they will be looking to rectify this. Here is how we think the Netherlands might line up for their first game at the tournament – including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur stars.

GK: Bart Verbruggen

There is some solid competition for this spot, but Bart Verbruggen’s existing international experience should be enough to give him the nod.

Verbruggen has been excellent for Brighton this season – at 72.3%, he has the second-best save percentage ratio in the Premier League in 2025/26.

RB: Denzel Dumfries

The Netherlands’ back four seems to be set in stone. Generally, Ronald Koeman likes to play Denzel Dumfries on the right, given his penchant for marauding full-back runs.

Dumfries has been an integral member of The Netherlands’ setup for well over half a decade now. With 69 caps under his belt, you can bet that he’ll have a major part to play at the World Cup.

CB: Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber has played predominantly as a right-back for Arsenal this season, but he almost always features at centre-back for his country.

An adaptable player, Timber will have no problem with the transistion – he began his career playing at the heart of defence. While not the tallest defender in the world, he makes up for it with his rugged physicality.

CB: Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk’s place in this XI will certainly be debated, but as the current Netherlands captain, it’s hard to leave the Liverpool man out.

His mistakes have been frequently highlighted this season – Van Dijk isn’t the player he used to be. Nevertheless, at 34, he knows this is his last World Cup. As such, we’re expecting him to go out with a bang.

LB: Micky van de Ven

Like Van Dijk, some may disagree with Van de Ven’s placement in this XI – especially at left-back, after he has spent the whole season at centre-back for Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Koeman likes to field him in this role, despite the existence of alternatives. Remember, this isn’t who we’d pick – this is who we think Koeman will pick. Van de Ven has been off the pace this season, but his spot in The Netherlands’ XI seems secure for now.

DM: Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch’s shortcomings in 2025/26 shouldn’t be much of an issue at the World Cup. When left alone to do his job, Gravenberch thrives – he struggles when he is taken out of his comfort zone.

International football is often simpler than club football – at least on a tactical level. For this reason, Gravenberch should be able to find some decent form in the summer, even if he has found difficulty in doing so during the ongoing Premier League season.

CM: Frenkie de Jong

Despite suffering a couple of injuries for Barcelona this season, Frenkie de Jong remains The Netherlands’ best creative influence from the middle of the park.

A true midfield general with an excellent range of passing, De Jong will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Dutch – if he can stay fit.

CM: Tijjani Reijnders

After a strong start to life at Manchester City, Tijjani Reijnders’ form has hit the rocks. With that being said, the World Cup should give him a good opportunity to utilise his strengths.

Like Gravenberch, Reijnders is simply being asked to do too much at City. He is best used as an attacking central midfielder who makes late runs into the box – Koeman will know this and should play him accordingly.

RW: Donyell Malen

Donyell Malen may have been somewhat underwhelming during his time at Aston Villa, but his Roma run has more than made up for it. With seven goals in nine Serie A games, there aren’t many Dutch players more deserving of a spot in the XI than Malen is.

Furthermore, the Dutch are not blessed with quality attacking options at this point – Malen’s excellent form will come as a godsend to the Flying Dutchmen.

LW: Cody Gakpo

Forget what the naysayers are spouting – Cody Gakpo is the ideal to play in a World Cup. He’s very adaptable, being able to function in any attacking role – he’s also a very hard worker off the ball.

Moreover, Gakpo also has a solid eye for goal – he hasn’t impressed the majority of Liverpool fans this season, but we’d expect him to make up for it in the summer.

ST: Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay’s best days may be behind him – not only this, he is also out of form. However, his talismanic qualities cannot be denied.

At 32 and playing outside of Europe’s top leagues, this may be a controversial pick. Nevertheless, like many others, he will not get another opportunity to win a World Cup and will give everything he has as a result.