The Netherlands’ World Cup 2026 Squad: A Risk-Reward Gamble Without Frimpong and Emegha

AMSTERDAM — The Dutch national team will march into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a squad that reflects both continuity and calculated risk, as coach Ronald Koeman has made the difficult call to exclude two of his most reliable performers: Jeremy Frimpong and Emmanuel Emegha. In their place, Koeman has included two players who have spent significant time in the Belgian Pro League, Yassine El Ghanassy and Mohamed El Mourabet, signaling a tactical and philosophical shift ahead of what promises to be one of the most competitive World Cups in history.

Speaking to Dutch media ahead of the squad announcement, Koeman expressed cautious optimism about the team’s chances, despite the high-profile absences. “I’m convinced we can go far,” he said. “This squad has the quality, the mentality, and the experience to compete at the highest level. We’ve made tough decisions, but I believe in this group.”

Who’s In, Who’s Out: The Netherlands’ World Cup Roster

The Dutch squad features a mix of established stars and promising young talents, with a particular emphasis on players who have proven themselves in recent international competitions. Here’s a breakdown of the key inclusions and exclusions:

Notable Exclusions:

• Jeremy Frimpong (AC Milan): The 26-year-old winger has been plagued by injuries in recent months, including a serious knee issue that sidelined him for much of the 2023-24 season. His exclusion comes as a significant blow to the Dutch attacking options.
• Emmanuel Emegha (Strasbourg): The 22-year-old forward has struggled with form and fitness, with Koeman reportedly citing his inconsistent performances as the reason for his omission.
• Daley Blind (Manchester United): The experienced defender was left out in favor of younger options, marking the end of his international career.

Koeman’s Gamble: What the Squad Changes Signal

Koeman’s decision to exclude Frimpong and Emegha while including El Ghanassy and El Mourabet suggests several tactical and philosophical shifts for the Dutch campaign:

1. Midfield Reinforcement

With the departures of Frimpong and Emegha, Koeman has prioritized midfield depth. El Ghanassy, a versatile midfielder who can play as a box-to-box or attacking midfielder, adds creative flair and work rate. His experience in the Pro League—one of Europe’s most physically demanding leagues—could be crucial in the grueling World Cup format.

El Mourabet, while primarily a forward, has shown the ability to drop deeper and link play, providing an additional option for Koeman to create numerical advantages in midfield. His inclusion suggests the Dutch may look to play with three forwards at times, similar to their successful approach in Euro 2020.

2. Defensive Stability

The backline remains one of the squad’s strongest assets, with Van Dijk, De Vrij, and Aké providing a mix of leadership, experience, and athleticism. However, the exclusion of Blind—who has been a mainstay in the Dutch defense for years—raises questions about the team’s ability to adapt to different tactical systems.

Koeman has indicated he may experiment with a back three in certain matchups, a system that could benefit from the physical presence of players like Aké and the younger defenders in the squad. The inclusion of Stekelenburg, now 38, as a third goalkeeper suggests Koeman is preparing for potential defensive challenges.

3. Attacking Options

The forward line remains the team’s most exciting aspect, with Depay, Gakpo, and Wout Weghorst providing a mix of experience and youth. However, the absence of Frimpong—who has been a key playmaker in recent years—will force the Dutch to rely more on through balls and set pieces.

El Mourabet’s inclusion adds an additional creative dimension, but his lack of international experience means he’ll need to prove himself quickly. Koeman has suggested that the squad will train with a fluid attacking structure, allowing players to interchange positions to create confusion for opponents.

From Orange to… What Now?

The Dutch national team has a storied history in World Cup football, with three titles (1974, 1978, 1982) and a reputation for innovative tactics and attacking football. However, recent tournaments have seen the team struggle to replicate that success, finishing fourth in 2014 and failing to advance past the group stage in 2022.

Koeman’s appointment in 2020 marked a turning point, with the team reaching the final of Euro 2020 (held in 2021) before losing to Italy on penalties. That tournament showcased the potential of players like De Jong, Depay, and Van Dijk, but also highlighted the need for greater consistency and tactical adaptability.

This World Cup squad represents Koeman’s attempt to strike a balance between experience and youth, continuity and innovation. The inclusion of players like El Ghanassy and El Mourabet—who have spent time in the Pro League—reflects a broader trend in European football, where clubs are increasingly looking to Belgian competition for affordable, high-quality talent.

Preparing for the Considerable Stage: The Road to Kansas City

The Netherlands will begin their World Cup campaign in Kansas City, USA, hosting their first two group-stage matches before traveling to Atlanta and Dallas for the remainder of the group stage. The team’s preparation will be intense, with Koeman expected to finalize tactical details and ensure his players are match-fit for what promises to be a grueling tournament.

Training Camp and Friendlies

The Dutch squad will begin their final preparations at the Sportcampus Zuiderpark in The Hague, where they will undergo a rigorous training schedule designed to simulate World Cup conditions. Key aspects of their preparation will include:

• Tactical Drills: Focus on set-piece scenarios, counter-attacking transitions, and defensive organization against different formations.
• Physical Conditioning: Emphasis on recovery protocols to manage the demands of multiple matches in a short period.
• Mental Preparation: Sessions with sports psychologists to handle pressure and maintain focus.
• Match Simulation: Friendly games against strong opposition to test tactical systems and player combinations.

Koeman has confirmed that the team will play two official friendlies before the World Cup, with matches against Portugal (June 10, 2026) and Germany (June 15, 2026) scheduled. These games will serve as crucial dress rehearsals for the tournament.

Group Stage Challenges

The Netherlands has been drawn in Group A alongside Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan. This group presents a mix of physical, technical, and tactical challenges:

• Spain: The reigning European champions will be favored, with a squad featuring players like Rodri, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal. The Dutch will need to be disciplined defensively and exploit spaces quickly.
• Costa Rica: A physically strong side with experience in World Cup football. The Dutch may look to use their midfield to control possession and create chances.
• Japan: A technically gifted team with a strong defensive record. Koeman may deploy a more direct approach to break them down.

Advancing from the group stage will require the Dutch to avoid any upsets and secure at least a second-place finish. Their path to the knockout rounds will likely depend on their ability to adapt tactically and maintain consistency across all three matches.

Reactions: From Optimism to Skepticism

The announcement of the Dutch squad has sparked a range of reactions from fans, pundits, and former players:

“This squad has the quality to go deep, but the question is whether they can stay healthy and perform when it matters. We’ve seen too many close calls in recent years.” — Ruud Gullit, former Dutch international and pundit

On social media, reactions have been mixed:

Former player Arjen Robben expressed cautious optimism:

“I’m proud of this squad. They’ve worked hard, and they deserve their chance. But remember, in football, anything can happen. We’ll have to wait and see how they perform on the biggest stage.”

Meanwhile, some fans have voiced concerns about the team’s depth, particularly in attack:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why were Jeremy Frimpong and Emmanuel Emegha left out?

Koeman cited injury concerns for Frimpong, who has struggled with knee issues, and inconsistent form for Emegha, who has not been at his best in recent months. The coach has indicated that both players will have opportunities to regain their places in future international matches.

2. What does the inclusion of Pro League players mean for the squad?

Yassine El Ghanassy and Mohamed El Mourabet bring physicality, tactical flexibility, and experience from a highly competitive league. Their inclusion suggests Koeman may look to play with a more direct, possession-based style that suits their attributes, particularly in midfield.

3. How will the Dutch handle the absence of Daley Blind?

Blind’s exclusion marks the end of his international career. His absence will be felt in the team’s defensive organization and leadership. Koeman has suggested that younger defenders like Nathan Aké and Matthijs de Ligt will step up to fill the void.

4. What are the biggest challenges for the Dutch in the group stage?

The Dutch will face Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan. The biggest challenges will be:

• Defensively shutting down Spain’s attacking trio.
• Physically handling Costa Rica’s strong midfield.
• Exploiting Japan’s defensive structure with quick transitions.

5. When and where will the Netherlands play their first World Cup match?

The Dutch will open their campaign on June 13, 2026, at 19:00 UTC (14:00 local time) against Spain in Kansas City, USA.

What to Watch Next

The Dutch squad’s journey to the World Cup begins with their final preparations in The Hague. Here’s what to watch in the coming weeks: