Netherlands World Cup Hopes: Koeman Believes Team Can Beat Anyone

Ronald Koeman insists the Netherlands have enough quality to win the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, despite external doubts. Statistical projections rate other nations higher, yet Koeman is convinced the current squad can defeat any opponent during the tournament.

Data from the Opta supercomputer gives the Netherlands a 4% chance of lifting a first world title. Spain are rated at 16%, followed by France on 13%, England on 11%, and Argentina on 10%. Koeman, however, believes his team can outperform those projections on the pitch.

The Netherlands begin Group F on 14 June against Japan, before facing Sweden in Houston on 20 June. The final group fixture comes in Kansas City against Tunisia. Koeman has not yet confirmed the squad, while key selection calls will depend on late fitness tests.

Three regular starters are already ruled out of the Netherlands World Cup plans. Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten, and Xavi Simons all miss the tournament because of separate injury problems. Their absence forces Koeman to adjust his options in defence and midfield before naming the final list.

Koeman started a second spell in charge of the national side in 2023, replacing Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal had guided the Netherlands to the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Koeman now aims to go further and end the country’s wait for a first crown.

The Netherlands have reached the World Cup final three times, including in 2010, when Spain won 1-0 after extra time. Despite that history, the Oranje have never claimed the trophy. Koeman sees this campaign as another chance for a squad he views as technically strong and tactically aware.

"People may not see us as one of the favourites to win the World Cup, Koeman told FIFA. But the strength of the Netherlands is that we can beat anyone because the ability is there in our squad." That belief shapes how Koeman wants the group to approach each fixture.

"I think this team is on track,Koeman added. What I'd like people to say about my team is that they play with a lot of intensity that they can't say we didn't do enough. I want them to play with confidence, with personality, understanding what their qualities are. And to always respect every opponent despite the fact there may be so-called smaller nations at the World Cup. They are all matches in their own right, and you must ensure you're not caught off-guard by a smaller nation."

Koeman hopes Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer, recovers from a thigh injury sustained with Corinthians in time for the Netherlands World Cup push. The outlook is less positive for Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who has been out since mid-March because of a groin issue.

"Jurrien has been dealing with this for quite some time. It has been a rollercoaster ride, the Netherlands boss said. He is training again to see if he can make the Champions League final, and be available for the World Cup, but it does not look rosy at the moment." Koeman must therefore prepare alternative defensive plans.

With major players racing against time to regain fitness, the Netherlands World Cup campaign balances optimism and caution. Koeman remains confident in the squad’s depth, trusts the team’s mentality, and believes a focused approach against every opponent can compensate for injuries and modest predictive odds.