National coach Ronald Koeman has announced that he will announce the selection for the World Cup later than expected, the Dutch Football Association announced on Wednesday.
The Dutch team has been placed in group F at the World Cup, alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, and will start the campaign against the Japanese on June 15.
When would the Dutch team be announced?
The Dutch selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be announced on May 25. Instead, the team will now be announced two days later, on May 27.
Why is the Netherlands postponing the announcement of the selection?
The announced squad will be postponed to give crucial national team players time to recover in time for the tournament.
Players such as record goalscorer Memphis Depay, Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber are among those doubtful for next month’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
“By taking two extra days, we can be more certain that the players we are going to select are in good shape,” Koeman said in a statement from the Football Association. “In addition, it gives us the opportunity to personally see, speak to and assess a number of players competing for the final selection during the training days on May 25, 26 and 27.
“This will have no further impact on our original schedule, as preparation with the full group starts on Saturday, May 30. I would like to use the extra time this provides to consider all aspects in the choices we make regarding the final selection,” he added.
The Dutch will fly to the United States on June 4 and in the run-up to their first World Cup match against Japan on June 14 in Dallas. They will play friendly matches against fellow finalists Algeria in Rotterdam on June 3 and against Uzbekistan on June 8 in New York.
(With input from
Published on May 14, 2026
