Previous World Cup appearances: 11Best performance: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)First appearance: 1934 (Italy)Top goal scorer: Johnny Rep (7)Most appearances: Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie (17)Player to watch: Tijjani ReijndersFIFA world ranking: 7The Netherlands have never fulfilled their potential at the World Cup – they lost all three finals they reached (1974, 1978, 2010). The 1988 Euro winning cohort did not even come close to replicating their European success on the global stage.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listBut while previous golden generations repeatedly fell short, this more unheralded side should not be discounted too hastily.The Dutch were unbeaten across their eight qualifiers, although Poland held them to draws.With commanding defenders, a midfield of genuine class, and enough attacking options to cause problems for any defence, this Netherlands side have a outside chance of lifting the trophy for the first time.Reijnders: the midfield heartbeatMan City’s Tijjani Reijnders has steadily established himself as one of the finest midfielders in Europe over the last few seasons season and arrives at this tournament in fine fettle.After two outstanding years at AC Milan, where he was named Serie A Best Midfielder of the season, he joined City in 2025 and has adapted well to life under Pep Guardiola, even if he is not always in the starting XI.While he has grabbed five goals and two assists across 28 Premier League appearances this season, these relatively modest headline numbers do not tell the full story of his influence – especially …
