In just over three-and-a-half months, the curtain goes up on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and that means there’s been an announcement from the Netherlands of their 26-man squad, named by head coach Ronald Koeman, with big names in and huge omissions out ahead of kick-off. Liverpool wing-back Jeremie Frimpong has also been left out, as well as West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville’s first senior team call-up one of the surprises.
At almost half, the squad seems to be a blend of established international heavyweights and youngsters in the process of breaking into the global frame. The Dutch manager has also put trust in several players returning from injury including Memphis Depay, Justin Kluivert and Jurriën Timber. Koeman is aware of doubts about their match fitness but believes the quality and experience of both players can be important” over the World Cup campaign.
Injury Returns Boost Dutch Squad
The squad announcement features one of the newer, more higher-profile names in Memphis Depay but his spot on the 23-man roster is mired in controversy. Van Persie, who has 55 international goals and is the Netherlands’ all-time leading goal-scorer, was fit to turn out for Brazilian club Corinthians after a thigh injury. Koeman, with strikers who had not on the order of deep playing time this season, believes he can still make an impression.
Dutch Coach said he would like Depay’s return to be faster but insisted that the medical staff would continue to monitor his condition. The Netherlands will be able to call on the match-winner from their first play-off tie in Roma forward Donyell Malen, who is in great form too should Depay struggle for fitness during the tournament.
They have also included Justin Kluivert following his return from knee surgery. And defender Jurriën Timber, who recently played a role in the Premier League-pushing success of Arsenal, similarly came through injury and earned a place. Another interesting storyline is that his brother, Quinten Timber, has also been called up to the Dutch squad.
Summerville Earns First Call-Up as Frimpong Misses Out
One of the biggest selection surprises is Crysencio Summerville. Koeman’s World Cup squad is not exactly bloated with debutants, but the one who does make the list is West Ham winger Grady Diangana now finally called up to a senior national side.
Koeman, in explaining why he had selected Summervile, started with a reference to the forward’s pace, defensive work-rate and reliability. That wingers can influence play at both ends of the pitch is admired by Koeman tournament football is played between tight margins.
Elsewhere, Jeremie Frimpong has also been omitted from the squad, but he had failed to start for his club. In deciding to this effect Koeman mentioned that injury concerns were a major factor. Frimpong has been one of the Netherlands’ most exciting attacking wingbacks in recent years and his omission has generated much debate among Dutch supporters.
At the same time, many long serving Dutch internationals will sit out this tournament following injury. Midfielder Xavi Simons, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament and was ruled out for this year this season. Also missing out for them at the back are a wealth of experience, with neither Matthias de Ligt nor Stefan de Vrij in the deep. Both Lutsharel Geertruida and Ian Maatsen have been placed on standby as a precaution.
Experienced Core Leads Dutch World Cup Ambitions
In a group they were expected to make it through relatively comfortably if not challenged by injury blows along the way, the Netherlands are set fair under captain Virgil van Dijk. And in defence, their line-up featured Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk captaining the Netherlands alongside Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Denzel Dumfries.
It is the Netherlands’ first tournament qualification, who qualified unbeaten through qualifiers. They have been consistent, even through qualification and belief has risen that they can take on some of the strongest nations in the World.
Group F Netherlands, Sweden, Japan and Tunisia Although there may be many a banana skin lurking in this group, the consensus is that Dutch qualification for the knockout rounds isn’t too far-fetched.
Chasing a Historic First World Cup Triumph
The Netherlands is one of the most successful national teams to never win a FIFA World Cup alongside with Sweden and Hungary. Having lost all three of their final touches in 1974, 1978 and 2010, the Netherlands were also left reeling. It is so hard to win the tournament especially against many strong nations, Koeman admitted. But he is still optimistic that his side will pose a tough opponent and could enjoy a lengthy run in the competition.
The Dutch tactician stressed staying ‘locked in’ for the long haul and opted to stay out of media coverage and social media during the World Cup. As Koeman himself said, the Netherlands will finally win football’s biggest prize only if they are fully focused on improving their performance. The Dutch approach the 2026 World Cup as a mix of proven leaders, some exciting new stars and returning players all looking for redemption with decades of near misses in their rear-view mirror hoping to turn them into a first world title.
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