Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman believes his side can challenge for the World Cup title this summer despite injuries to several senior players ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Dutch open their Group F campaign against Japan on June 14 before facing Sweden in Houston on June 20. They complete the group stage against Tunisia in Kansas City.
The Netherlands have never won the World Cup despite reaching three finals, including the 2010 defeat against Spain in Johannesburg. Koeman believes his current squad can compete with every major nation at the tournament.
“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.”
Opta’s pre-tournament simulations gave the Netherlands only a four per cent chance of lifting the trophy. Spain lead the projections with 16 per cent, followed by France, England and Argentina.
Koeman returned for his second spell as Netherlands coach in 2023 after replacing Louis van Gaal. He guided the team through qualification but now faces growing fitness concerns before announcing his final squad.
Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten and Xavi Simons will all miss the tournament through injury. Koeman still hopes to recover Memphis Depay in time after the forward picked up a thigh problem with Corinthians.
The bigger concern surrounds Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who has struggled with a groin injury since March.
“Jurrien has been dealing with this for quite some time. It has been a rollercoaster ride,” Koeman 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 also urged his players to approach every opponent seriously, regardless of ranking or reputation.
“I want them to play with confidence, with personality, understanding what their qualities are,” he said.
“And to always respect every opponent despite the fact there may be so-called smaller nations at the World Cup.”
