Netherlands predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Memphis Depay & Virgil van Dijk
Oranje have played in three FIFA World Cup finals.
Not once, not twice, but thrice have the Dutch made it to the finals of the FIFA World Cup. After two back-to-back World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, Netherlands made it to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.
Despite their excellent record in World Cup history and making it to a record three finals, Netherlands are yet to become the World Champions. This is despite coming so close and boasting some of the greatest players like Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.
The legendary Ronald Koeman, who went as far as the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 1994, will be keen to win it all for his country as a coach and guide them to the ultimate triumph in 2026.
The Netherlands are placed in a difficult group alongside Asian powerhouse Japan, European team Sweden, who boasting a striking duo of Isak and Gyokeres and an unpredictable Tunisia, which defeated 2018 World Champions France in the last edition.
The Oranje remain one of the favourites to top Group F. Though the absence of Xavi Simmons upfront will be a big concern for an already underwhelming Dutch attack, their defence looks solid. Midfield players are versatile and adaptable to Koeman’s ‘Total Football’ approach.
In this article, we find out how Oranje could potentially line up in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Netherlands predicted XI (4-3-3)
GK: Bart Verbruggen – Brighton & Hove Albion
One of the main protagonists behind Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton qualifying for European competition for the second time in history, Verbruggen has been at his absolute best. He has kept 10 clean sheets in 38 games for the Seagulls. It helped them qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
2026 edition will mark his official debut in the World Cup tournament. He was brilliant in Euro 2024. He single-handedly carried the Netherlands to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
The world surely remembers his spectacular, full-stretch fingertip save in the 92nd minute to deny a certain equaliser against Turkiye.
RB: Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan
Dumfries is coming after winning the Serie A with Inter Milan, where he had seven goal contributions in 30 games across all competitions. In the last edition, he was in terrific form, after scoring once and giving two assists in five games for the Netherlands.
With Frimpong missing from the roster, Dumfries is the undisputed king of the right touchline. The kind of pace and acceleration he brings on the right flank is unmatched. He will be a crucial presence on the flanks for Koeman’s side.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool FC
Unarguably, one of the best defenders in world football today, captain Van Dijk led Liverpool to English glory in Arne Slot’s maiden season. Despite a tough season, his brilliance ensured that Champions League football continued at Anfield.
Despite being a centre back, he had 11 goal contributions in 55 games. Apart from his flawless positioning, reading of the game, and complete aerial dominance, he is a key figure during set pieces.
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CB: Micky van de Ven – Tottenham Hotspur
The fastest centre-back in Premier League history, Micky van de Ven stood tall between Tottenham and relegation. He helped the Lilywhites survive relegation in a very tough season. He played 45 games for the North London outfit.
While Van Dijk holds the structural line, Van de Ven provides the extreme pace required to stop speedy counter-attacks. This will be his senior World Cup debut. From being a substitute option to a guaranteed starter, Van de Ven has come a long way.
LB: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal FC
The only concern behind Timber’s selection is his match fitness and recovery. Despite suffering a groin injury, he was cleared by the medical team for the World Cup. He last played a game two months ago.
Despite that, he made 43 appearances for the Gunners, helping them win the Premier League. Many feel Nathan Ake could be a better pick. But Timber acts as a highly technical modern fullback who can invert smoothly and blends in perfectly in Koeman’s total football setup.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – FC Barcelona
Without Xavi Simons, the entire creative burden rests on Frenkie’s shoulders. His presence is entirely mandatory. He is coming after winning the LaLiga with Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona.
He played 38 games and had nine goal contributions. He was even brilliant in the last World Cup, playing every game for the Dutch team. He is the creative engine of the Netherlands team.
The Dutch team’s campaign will heavily rely on their midfield.
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CM: Tijjani Reijnders – Manchester City
14 goal contributions in 50 games for an extremely competitive side like Manchester City. He even won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in Pep Guardiola’s last season at the Etihad. Reijnders is in red-hot form and was one of the best performers in Euro 2024.
This will be his World Cup debut. He has risen to prominence after his terrific form in the last few years at AC Milan and Manchester City. Reijnders offers the rapid, direct attacking energy needed to combine with Gakpo and Depay.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool FC
Despite a trophyless season at Anfield, he was brilliant for the Reds this season. He played over 50 games and will be keen to make his World Cup debut a memorable one at 24.
While De Jong’s artistic drifting, Gravenberch can provide a unique, towering physical profile in midfield that balances the Netherlands midfield perfectly. He played a crucial role in helping the Netherlands have a terrific campaign in the World Cup qualifiers.
RW: Donyell Malen – AS Roma
Never fall in love with a loan player, they say. But this loanee from the Netherlands was instrumental in bringing back UEFA Champions League football to Stadio Olimpico after a long wait of seven years. 17 goal contributions in just 20 games after he made a switch from Aston Villa.
AS Roma were so impressed with Malen that they triggered his €25 million obligation-to-buy clause. The Dutch striker will be keen to replicate his terrific form for his country in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
ST: Memphis Depay – Corinthians
This could be the last dance for Netherland’s all time highest goalscorer, who will be making his third World Cup appearance after winning the bronze in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, defeating hosts Brazil.
Memphis is a legendary big-game player for the Oranje. His historical goalscoring records make him completely untouchable when fit. Despite growing concerns over his fitness, Depay is coming after a decent season with Corinthians.
LW: Cody Gakpo – Liverpool FC
The joint-highest goalscorer in Euro 2024, he is the third Dutch player from Liverpool to make his place in the probable playing lineup. He had 15 goal contributions in over 50 games across all competitions. The player was simply devastating from the left flank.
He impressed a lot in the last World Cup. He scored in every single game for the Dutch in their group stage fixtures against hosts Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador. In recent times, he has emerged as the best Dutch forward, who will be keen to go all guns blazing in North America.
Who is the Netherlands‘ coach in the FIFA WC 26?
Ronald Koeman.
Which teams are in the Netherlands’ group?
Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
Is Memphis Depay in the Netherlands team?
Yes, Depay is expected to start for them.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.