25.6.2026
Former Netherlands international and now leading his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronald Koeman believes that this could be the year they will lift the title after coming close on three occasions.
Netherlands are toping group F with four points but on better goal difference from Japan. On Friday the Dutch will face Tunisa who are already rock bottom while the Japanese will face Sweden who are on three points and desperate for a win after losing 5-1 to Netherlands.
“We’re expecting a tough match against Tunisia because if a team plays two matches and gets two defeats and they have a new coach, then they would want to close off the tournament in a different way,” Koeman warned.
“I’m expecting a reaction from that angle, and we need to be prepared.”
For Koeman, navigating this final group obstacle is just the beginning of a much grander plan. “The ambition is to win the tournament,” he stated bluntly. “If you take part in the World Cup, you want to win… but there’s still a long way ahead of us.”
The Netherlands played against Germany in the 1974 final, in 1978 they lost to Argentina, while in 2010 they lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
Koeman...Dreaming of Dutch victory in the final.