Former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit has expressed strong confidence in the Dutch national team’s prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that “something special is going to happen” for Oranje on football’s biggest stage. The 66-time cap winner and 1988 European Championship victor shared his views in a recent column for De Telegraaf, highlighting a growing disparity between domestic skepticism and international optimism surrounding the Netherlands’ chances.
Gullit pointed to the team’s recent performances under coach Ronald Koeman as evidence of rising potential, noting their semifinal appearance at UEFA Euro 2024 and a hard-fought loss to reigning European champions Spain in the UEFA Nations League, which was decided only by a penalty shootout. “The potential is there to make a big impression in Canada, Mexico and the United States,” he wrote, referencing the host nations for the expanded 48-team tournament.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea star emphasized that the motivation within the squad is heightened by the likelihood that key veterans such as Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay will be playing in what could be their final World Cup. Gullit also praised the professional attitude of players returning from injury, observing that figures like Denzel Dumfries and Frenkie de Jong are avoiding unnecessary risks in their club commitments to ensure availability for the national team.
“Nobody wants to miss the World Cup and they prefer to delay their return by a week rather than force it,” Gullit noted, calling this approach “a good sign” of the squad’s collective mindset. He contrasted this with what he perceives as a slower pace in the Eredivisie, suggesting that whereas domestic league play may lack intensity, the national team setup fosters a different, more focused environment.
Perhaps most strikingly, Gullit highlighted the divergence in perception between the Netherlands and abroad, stating that while Dutch fans and media tend to be pessimistic, international observers view Oranje as genuine contenders for the world title. “The confidence in Oranje beyond our borders is limitless. In the Netherlands we are quite pessimistic, but elsewhere we are seen as a favorite for the world championship. That won’t be for nothing,” he asserted.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition hosted by three nations and the first to feature 48 teams. Gullit acknowledged the unique challenges of such an extended format, noting that “a six-week tournament is highly long” and predicting that “as the World Cup progresses, it will only grow in significance.”
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the future of several senior Netherlands players, with multiple reports indicating that veterans like Van Dijk and Depay are considering retirement from international football after the 2026 tournament. While no official announcements have been made, Gullit’s references to their potential final appearances align with recent speculation in Dutch sports media about impending transitions in the Oranje squad.
As the Netherlands continue their preparations for North America, Gullit’s endorsement serves as a notable vote of confidence from one of the country’s most decorated football figures. His perspective underscores the belief among some experts that despite domestic doubts, the current generation of Dutch talent possesses the quality and determination to achieve deep success at the next World Cup.
For ongoing updates on the Netherlands national team’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including squad selections, match results, and player availability, fans are encouraged to follow official communications from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and trusted sports news outlets.
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