Even though the Netherlands have not tasted World Cup glory, they remain an impactful name at the World Cup because of their revolutionary total football. The nation reached its peak in the 1970s with their style of football in the tournament history and has produced some of the best stars who would become icons in the game. Be it the legendary Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Denis Bergkamp of the dazzling era, or the golden generation of the 2010s, including Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, and Arjen Robben, the Dutch have consistently brought immense quality to light up the grand show. The Netherlands will now wish to fulfil their unfinished business when they take the flight to the USA, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup.
Here are the Frequently Asked Questions about the Netherlands’ performance at the World Cup:
How many times has the Netherlands won the World Cup?
The Netherlands has never won the World Cup in their history.
How many times has the Netherlands reached the World Cup final?
The Netherlands have reached the final three times in 1974, 1978 and 2010. They have ended as runner-up each time.
How many times has the Netherlands qualified for the World Cup?
After booking their spot in the 2026 World Cup, the Netherlands will make their 12th appearance in the tournament.
When did the Netherlands make their World Cup debut?
The Netherlands made their World Cup debut in the second edition of the tournament in 1934.
How many matches did the Netherlands play at the World Cup?
The Netherlands has played 55 matches at the World Cup stage.
How many matches did the Netherlands win at the World Cup?
The Netherlands has won 30 matches at the World Cup.
How many matches did the Netherlands lose at the World Cup?
The Netherlands lost 11 matches at the World Cup stage.
What is the Netherlands’ biggest win in World Cup history?
The Netherlands’ biggest win in World Cup history is the 5-0 win against South Korea in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup.
What is the longest unbeaten streak for the Netherlands in World Cup history?
The longest ongoing unbeaten streak for the Netherlands in World Cup history is 12 games, having not lost a single game in the last two editions they have played in since the 2010 final.
What is the Netherlands’ biggest defeat in a World Cup?
The Netherlands’ biggest defeat in FIFA World Cup history is the 3-0 loss to Czechoslovakia in 1934.
How many goals did the Netherlands score at the World Cup?
The Netherlands has scored 96 goals in their World Cup history.
How many goals did the Netherlands concede at the World Cup?
The Netherlands conceded 52 goals at the World Cup.
What is the highest number of goals the Netherlands scored in a single World Cup?
The highest number of goals the Netherlands scored at the World Cup is 15 in 2014.
Who is the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands in World Cups?
Johnny Rep is the all-time top goalscorer for Spain in World Cup history with seven goals.
Who scored the most goals for the Netherlands in a single World Cup?
Rob Rensenbrink scored the most goals the Netherlands in a single World Cup with five in 1978.
Who scored the Netherlands’ first-ever World Cup goal?
Kick Smit scored the first-ever World Cup goal for the Netherlands in the 3-2 loss against Switzerland in the Round of 16 stage in the 1934 tournament, when it was played in a straight elimination format.
Who is the youngest goalscorer for the Netherlands in the World Cup?
The youngest goalscorer for Spain in a FIFA World Cup is Memphis Depay, who scored his first World Cup goal in 2014 against Australia at the age of 20.
Who is the oldest goalscorer for the Netherlands in the World Cup?
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is the oldest goalscorer for the Netherlands in the World Cup at the age of 35 when he netted the opener with a screamer in the 3-2 win against Uruguay in the semifinal of the 2010 World Cup.
Who has made the most appearances for the Netherlands in World Cup history?
Wesley Sneijder has made the most appearances for the Netherlands in World Cup history over three editions, with 17.
Who is the youngest player to play for the Netherlands in the World Cup?
The youngest player to play for the Netherlands at a FIFA World Cup is Bertus de Harder, who made his debut at 18 years, 143 days old.
Who is the youngest player to play for the Netherlands in the World Cup knockout stage?
The youngest player to play for the Netherlands at a FIFA World Cup knockout stage is Xavi Simons, who made his debut at 18 years, 143 days old.
