Published On 5/27/2026
Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman announced today, Wednesday, the official list of the “Windmills” that will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The selections carried an unprecedented historical shift in Dutch football policy, which witnessed a shocking reduction in the representation of the local league, in addition to resounding exclusions of resonant names and surprises that were not expected in the sports street.
A historic abandonment of the “locals”
The most notable historical surprise was that Koeman’s selections from the Dutch Premier League were limited to only two players: veteran Ajax striker Wout Weghorst and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Gus Thiel. This selection records the lowest representation rate for the three major clubs historically (Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord) in any major tournament, as it is customary for their share to not be less than 6 players in all previous World Cup squads.
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The list witnessed strict tactical screening that eliminated prominent defensive names. Veteran defender Stefan de Vrij and Liverpool’s fast right-wing defender Jeremy Frimpong have been ruled out due to a series of injuries this season, in addition to Kees Smit.
On the other hand, Koeman caused a major surprise by calling up West Ham United winger, Crescencio Somerville, who had never represented the first team, despite the London team’s recent relegation. Koeman commented in his press conference, saying: “If he had not been injured last March, he would have been in the squad already. He is a very effective player on the right and left wings, and is good at handling the ball and making quick attacking transitions,” noting that he used him and his teammate Mats Wever (Brighton player) to compensate for the absence of the injured Frimpong.
Koeman announces the Netherlands’ list for the 2026 World Cup
The final list of 26 players came to reflect the almost total reliance on migratory birds in European stadiums, and was distributed as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Mark Flecken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Rufs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton).
- Defense line: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jean-Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Jurel Hato (Chelsea), Jurian Temper (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Mats Wever (Brighton).
- Midfield and attack: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Tijani Reynders (Manchester City), Teon Koopmeineers (Juventus), Martin De Roon (Atalanta), Donyiel Malen (Roma), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Quentin Temper (Olympique Marseille), Gus Till (PSV Eindhoven), Cody Jacobo (Liverpool), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Brian Proby (Sunderland), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Noah Lange (Galatasaray), Wout Weghorst (Ajax), Crescencio Somerville (West Ham).
