Netherlands
Group F · FIFA rank 9 · World Cup 2026
Eliminated in the round of 32
Lost 1-1 to Morocco
The Netherlands are one of the heavyweights of world football, ranked 9th in the FIFA ranking and led by captain Virgil van Dijk.
But they are out, beaten by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32.
They led late in the game, so this is a painful, narrow way to go.
Netherlands's 2026 World Cup matches
See the full Group F standings →Netherlands squad and manager
Manager: Ronald Koeman
| 👕 No. | 🧑 Player | 🛡️ Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers (3) | ||
| 1 | Bart Verbruggen | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| 13 | Robin Roefs | Sunderland |
| 23 | Mark Flekken | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Defenders (8) | ||
| 2 | Lutsharel Geertruida | Sunderland |
| 4 | Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool |
| 5 | Nathan Aké | Manchester City |
| 6 | Jan Paul van Hecke | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| 12 | Mats Wieffer | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| 15 | Micky van de Ven | Tottenham Hotspur |
| 22 | Denzel Dumfries | Inter Milan |
| 25 | Jorrel Hato | Chelsea |
| Midfielders (8) | ||
| 3 | Marten de Roon | Atalanta |
| 7 | Justin Kluivert | Bournemouth |
| 8 | Ryan Gravenberch | Liverpool |
| 14 | Tijjani Reijnders | Manchester City |
| 16 | Guus Til | PSV Eindhoven |
| 20 | Teun Koopmeiners | Juventus |
| 21 | Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona |
| 26 | Quinten Timber | Marseille |
| Forwards (7) | ||
| 9 | Wout Weghorst | Ajax |
| 10 | Memphis Depay | Corinthians |
| 11 | Cody Gakpo | Liverpool |
| 17 | Noa Lang | Galatasaray |
| 18 | Donyell Malen | Roma |
| 19 | Brian Brobbey | Sunderland |
| 24 | Crysencio Summerville | West Ham United |
Netherlands at the World Cup
- FIFA ranking
- #9
- World Cup appearance
- 12th
- Best finish
- Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)
- Confederation
- UEFA
- Group
- Group F
Previous Wins
- European Championship: 1988
How did the Netherlands lose to Morocco?
The Netherlands are out, and it came down to the smallest of margins.
Their forward Cody Gakpo put them ahead in the 72nd minute, and it looked like enough to go through.
But Morocco refused to give up, and defender Issa Diop headed in a late equalizer in the 91st minute to make it 1-1.
The game stayed at 1-1 through extra time, so it went to a penalty shootout.
And that is where the Dutch dream ended, as Morocco won the shootout 3-2.
Justin Kluivert and Jurrien Timber both missed from the spot, and Morocco's keeper Yassine Bounou saved another.
For a country that has reached 3 World Cup finals and lost all 3, another heartbreak feels cruelly familiar.
The quality in this squad runs deep, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, Gakpo, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay.
Coach Ronald Koeman had them playing well, but penalties can undo even the best teams in an instant.
The mood is bitter disappointment, because they were a minute away from the round of 16 before it slipped away.
Netherlands's recent results
- W2-1UzbekistanJune 8, 2026Friendly
- L0-1AlgeriaJune 3, 2026Friendly
Last 12 months before the tournament. Source: international match records.
Common questions
Which group were Netherlands in at the 2026 World Cup?
Netherlands were in Group F with Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. They finished 1st in the group.
Who is Netherlands's manager?
Netherlands are managed by Ronald Koeman.
What is Netherlands's best World Cup result?
Netherlands's best World Cup result is Runners-up in 1974, 1978, 2010.
Are Netherlands still in the 2026 World Cup?
No, Netherlands were knocked out in the round of 32 by Morocco.
What is Netherlands's FIFA ranking?
Netherlands are ranked 9 in the FIFA world rankings.