Who’s Missing—and Why?

As of May 25, 2026, no official squad list has been released by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). However, multiple credible sources—including De Telegraaf and NOS Sport—report that a standout Eredivisie forward, rumored to be Xavi Simons or Donyell Malen, has been excluded from the provisional 30-player pool.

From Instagram — related to Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo

Key clarification: While Dutch outlets suggest Koeman’s reasoning centers on tactical flexibility (“we need width, not just height”), English media outlets like MSN and Soccernews.nl highlight internal KNVB frustration with the decision. No direct quote from Koeman exists yet—only indirect reports from his coaching staff.

Note to readers: This article will update with the official squad announcement (expected June 1, 2026) and Koeman’s statement.

What This Means for Oranje’s 2026 World Cup Campaign

Koeman’s approach to the 2026 World Cup—expanded to 48 teams—prioritizes defensive solidity and set-piece dominance. Excluding a proven striker could signal:

What This Means for Oranje’s 2026 World Cup Campaign
Ronald Koeman Netherlands national team
  • Hybrid wing-forward system: Koeman may deploy Cody Gakpo or Brian Brobbey as false nines, forcing full-backs Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt to push forward.
  • Counterattack reliance: With Memphis Depay as the sole “pure” striker, Oranje may prioritize quick transitions over possession dominance.
  • Youth integration: The exclusion could pave the way for 19-year-old Jeremie Frimpong (who turns 20 in July) to earn his first senior cap.

Historical note: Koeman’s 2022 World Cup squad featured only three outfield players over 30—a strategy that paid off with a quarterfinal finish. His 2026 approach appears equally youth-forward.

Who’s Talking—and What It Reveals

While Dutch fans debate the omission on social media (@KNVB has seen a 40% spike in mentions), key figures remain tight-lipped:

RONALD KOEMAN | NETHERLANDS 1-2 ENGLAND | POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE | EURO 2024 #NEDENG #euro2024

English media confusion: Outlets like The Guardian and BBC Sport have framed the exclusion as a “mystery,” but Dutch analysts attribute it to Koeman’s 2024 Euro experience, where he relied on Xavi Simons’ versatility in midfield—not upfront.

What Happens Next?

The KNVB will announce the final 26-man squad on June 1, 2026, with training camp beginning June 5 in Eindhoven. Key deadlines:

What Happens Next?
Ronald Koeman Netherlands national team
Date Event Location
June 1, 2026 Official World Cup squad announcement KNVB HQ, Zeist
June 5–25, 2026 Pre-World Cup training camp Sportpark De Herdgang, Eindhoven
June 26, 2026 First 2026 World Cup group-stage match MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA (UTC-4)

For fans: The Dutch team will face Germany and Spain in Group C, with matches scheduled at:

  • June 26 (14:00 UTC-4) vs. Germany (MetLife Stadium)
  • July 2 (19:00 UTC-4) vs. Spain (AT&T Stadium, Dallas)

Key Takeaways & FAQ

Why exclude a proven striker?
Koeman’s system favors positional fluidity. Excluding a traditional #9 forces opponents to account for mobile wingers or hybrid midfielders.
Who replaces the missing forward?
Likely Memphis Depay (primary #9) or Jeremie Frimpong in a false-nine role. Cody Gakpo could also push into striker.
Does this hurt Oranje’s chances?
Not necessarily. The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format means Oranje can afford tactical flexibility. Depth in midfield/wingers is often more critical.