Ruud Gullit: ‘Er staat iets te gebeuren met Nederlands elftal op WK 2026’

Ruud Gullit, the 66-time Netherlands international and Euro 1988 winner, expressed strong confidence in the Dutch national team’s prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a column published in De Telegraaf on April 22, 2026. Gullit stated that he believes “something special is going to happen” for Oranje at the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The former AC Milan and Chelsea midfielder noted a contrast in perception between domestic and international views of the Netherlands’ chances. “Abroad, confidence in Oranje is limitless. In the Netherlands, we are quite pessimistic, but elsewhere we are seen as contenders for the world title. That won’t be for nothing,” Gullit wrote in his column.

Gullit pointed to recent performances as evidence of potential, referencing the team’s run to the Euro 2024 semifinals under coach Ronald Koeman and their narrow loss to European champions Spain in the Nations League penalty shootout. “The potential is there to create a big impact in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” he stated.

He also highlighted the motivational factor for veteran players Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay, suggesting the 2026 World Cup could be their final tournament with the national team. “For internationals like Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay, this will likely be their last World Cup, and that will give extra motivation,” Gullit observed.

The column praised the professional attitude of returning injured players, specifically mentioning Denzel Dumfries and Frenkie de Jong. Gullit noted that players returning from injury or managing minor issues are avoiding risks to ensure their World Cup availability, choosing to delay comebacks rather than force returns. “It’s a good sign how Denzel Dumfries and Frenkie de Jong are approaching the World Cup,” he said.

Gullit also commented on the pace of play in the Eredivisie, suggesting it needs to increase to match higher standards seen in competitions like the Champions League. “Watching the Champions League, one must admit that in the Netherlands we lag behind. It could all be a bit faster in the Eredivisie,” he concluded.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format of 48 teams and will be held across multiple cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament is hosted by three nations.

As the Dutch national team continues its preparations for the 2026 World Cup, Gullit’s commentary reflects growing optimism among some figures about Oranje’s potential to exceed expectations on the global stage.

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