The Netherlands to the World Cup: 'We always seek to connect'

The Dutch national team, pictured here with Xavi Simons and Frenkie de Jong, qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Lithuania. - Foto: KNVB Media

The Dutch national team (men) is participating in the World Cup for the 12th time. The Oranje remained undefeated in the qualifying series and, after defeating Lithuania, is assured of a place in FIFA World Cup 26 in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Together with Secretary General Gijs de Jong, we look ahead to the upcoming soccer summer on the American continent.

For the first time, 48 countries will compete in the World Cup finals. And the Netherlands is one of them.
"We are proud of the Dutch national team and the fact that we have once again qualified for the World Cup. The World Cup is the biggest stage in soccer, watched by billions of people around the world. For the first time, there will be 48 participants, in three countries, 104 matches, over six weeks. We want to be there with the Dutch team. First and foremost, to compete on the field with the best countries in the world and get as far as possible in the tournament. We also want to show the power of Oranje off the field. With their unique experience and positive Oranje spirit, our fans ensure that every tournament produces images that are seen around the world. It is not without reason that we stand for our values of courage, creativity, connection, and fun. Together, we color the world orange."

Will that work in a world of geopolitical and social tensions? In which polarization is increasing.
"It is precisely in a polarized world that soccer can make a difference. In the Netherlands and beyond. Nothing unites the Netherlands more than the Dutch national team. Our fans are greatly appreciated all over the world. This summer will be no exception in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It is still difficult to predict how many fans will travel to support the Dutch national team, as the draw on December 5 will play a major role in this. One thing is certain: together we will paint the world orange, with courage, joy, and connection, for all fans of today and tomorrow. We hope to see many Orange streets in the Netherlands and want to let as many people as possible enjoy the festivities online."

How does the KNVB deal with social or political developments in a host country?
"We live in a rapidly changing world. That is why we are closely monitoring international developments, in consultation with FIFA, UEFA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local embassies. We are alert and flexible, just as we have been in the past during tournaments. As a football association, our first priority is to ensure that players and staff can focus fully on football and their World Cup mission.

As a football association, we focus on the World Cup and on our values: dialogue, connection, and innovation, even when circumstances differ from those in the Netherlands. It is up to the Dutch government to determine its position on international political developments. By continuing to play football and remain in dialogue, we link our progressive attitude to our values, in the belief that football can connect people. Everyone around the world knows what the Dutch national team stands for."

When does the KNVB decide not to participate in matches or tournaments?
"We always follow the guidelines issued by the Dutch government, FIFA, and UEFA. If they indicate that traveling to or playing in a certain region is not permitted, then we will not go. Within those parameters, we remain committed to what is most important to us: soccer, dialogue, and connection. We are socially conscious."

For the first time, the World Cup will be played in three countries. What logistical challenges does that entail?
"I would rather talk about challenges and opportunities. The long distances and international cooperation demand a lot from us. And also from our fans who want to travel. At the same time, they offer enormous opportunities to attract a new generation of fans to Oranje. We hope to see many loyal Oranje fans in the stadiums, but also the many American supporters with Oranje roots who come to support our team visibly and audibly.

We are also coloring the world orange online. There are many opportunities there. Through our digital channels, we are building a global Oranje community, in which the younger generation is also fully involved. We are doing this with innovative content, communities, and experiences that suit this new generation of fans."

How many tickets are available for Dutch fans at matches involving the Dutch national team? And can our fans travel safely?
"The KNVB receives 8% of the sellable stadium capacity per match. We will only be able to provide more specific information after the draw on December 5, as we will then know in which stadiums the Dutch national team will be playing and what the exact capacity, ticket distribution, and prices will be. As soon as this information is known, we will share it via our official channels and the KNVB Oranje app.

As always, we follow the travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with regard to safety. This also applies to practical matters such as travel conditions, ESTA applications, and local rules. In addition, we advise fans to always remain alert to local conditions and to prepare well and in advance."

What does the KNVB want to leave behind after the 2026 World Cup?
"Our ultimate goal is to win a major tournament. That is why we are fully committed to investing in maximum sporting performance. We unconditionally support our players and staff in their mission to deliver a strong World Cup. At the same time, we want the Orange spirit to come alive, online and offline, in the Netherlands and far beyond. And preferably to swell into an unavoidable Orange fever. Furthermore, as with previous World Cups, we strive to leave a lasting, positive social impact in our host countries, in a way that suits the Netherlands: with courage, fun, and connection."