π³π± Netherlands
World Cup 2026 | Group F | Power rating | World rank #7
About Netherlands
The Netherlands are the great innovators of the game and three-time finalists. A UEFA side, they enter the 2026 World Cup rated 1993 -7th of the 48 teams -in Group F.
Runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010, and the spiritual home of 'Total Football'. Technical and positional, prizing intelligent movement and attacking width.
Drawn alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, their toughest group test on paper is the meeting with Japan. The model lists them 1st in the group and to reach the Quarter-finals.
Detailed team profile
Overview
The Netherlands enter Group F with elite defensive leadership, technical midfield quality and familiar high expectations.
World Cup history
The Dutch have reached three World Cup finals, in 1974, 1978 and 2010, but have never won the trophy. They reached the quarter-finals in 2022 before losing to Argentina on penalties.
Recent form
The Netherlands topped UEFA Group G in qualifying.
2026 World Cup angle
They are Group F favorites, but their run may hinge on whether the attack is efficient enough to match the defensive base. Japan, Sweden and Tunisia all offer contrasting tests of tempo, physicality and defensive patience.
Group-stage results & analysis
| Match | Score | Netherlands model share |
|---|---|---|
| vs π―π΅ Japan FT | 2 : 2 | -- |
| vs πΈπͺ Sweden FT | 5 : 1 | -- |
| vs πΉπ³ Tunisia FT | 3 : 1 | -- |