Netherlands
World Cup 2026 Group F — fixtures, standings, and knockout path
Van Dijk's last stand anchors a new backline
At 35, Virgil van Dijk remains the defensive cornerstone but faces questions about pace after ACL surgery. Nathan Aké and Matthijs de Ligt form a versatile trio, while Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman offers explosive width. The real test comes against CONMEBOL’s quick forwards—Netherlands conceded 5 goals to Argentina in their 2022 quarterfinal exit.
Depay or bust up front
Memphis Depay has 45 international goals but zero World Cup knockout-stage strikes. Behind him, Xavi Simons brings PSG-developed flair, and Brian Brobbey offers raw power. No Dutch striker has scored at a World Cup since Arjen Robben in 2014—a drought that must end to avoid another penalty shootout heartbreak like 2014’s semifinal vs Argentina.
Group E’s tactical chess match
Drawn with Poland (Lewandowski’s aerial threat), Austria (Rangnick’s pressing), and a CONCACAF playoff winner, Koeman must adjust his 3-5-2. The Austria game in Seattle’s Lumen Field could decide first place—Netherlands lost 3-2 to Rangnick’s side in Euro 2024 qualifying. Check the /world-cup-2026-groups for permutations.
Knockout route: top two qualify automatically; a third-place finish may still advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. View Group F hub →
Group standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Japan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Netherlands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 |  Sweden | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 |  Tunisia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fixtures & results
| Match | Date | Group | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands vs JapanEstadio Dallas | Sun, Jun 14, 2026 · 21:00 ET | f | – | Scheduled |
| Netherlands vs SwedenEstadio Houston | Sat, Jun 20, 2026 · 21:00 ET | f | – | Scheduled |
| Tunisia vs NetherlandsEstadio Kansas City | Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 00:00 ET | f | – | Scheduled |
Frequently asked questions
How many times have the Netherlands reached the World Cup final?+
Three times (1974, 1978, 2010), losing each time—the most finals without winning the trophy.
Who is the Netherlands' all-time top World Cup scorer?+
Johnny Rep with 7 goals (1974, 1978). Current leader Memphis Depay has 3 across 2014 and 2022.
What stadiums will the Netherlands play in during the group stage?+
Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium (vs Poland), Seattle’s Lumen Field (vs Austria), and Houston’s NRG Stadium (vs CONCACAF playoff winner).
When was the Netherlands' last World Cup knockout win?+
2014 quarterfinals vs Costa Rica (4-3 on penalties). They’ve since lost in 2018 qualifying and the 2022 quarterfinals.