The Premier League’s growing influence on international football has been highlighted once again after Ronald Koeman named a Netherlands squad packed with top-flight talent for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A huge 15 of the 26-man Dutch squad currently play in the Premier League, underlining just how important England’s top division has become in shaping one of Europe’s strongest international sides.
Liverpool trio at the core
Liverpool are heavily represented in the Netherlands squad, with captain Virgil van Dijk joined by Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.
Gravenberch is set to feature at his first World Cup finals after another impressive season in England, while Van Dijk remains one of the key leaders in Koeman’s squad.
Perhaps the biggest surprise omission is Jeremie Frimpong, who misses out despite strong performances at club level.
Timber included despite injury concerns
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has still been selected despite struggling with an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since March.
Koeman clearly values the defender highly, with the Dutch backline heavily dominated by Premier League-based players.
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, Chelsea youngster Jorrel Hato, Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke and Manchester City’s Nathan Ake are all included for this summer’s tournament.
Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries is the only defender selected from outside the Premier League.
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Brighton and Sunderland stars earn recognition
Brighton continue to prove themselves as a club capable of developing elite international talent.
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, defender Jan Paul van Hecke and midfielder Mats Wieffer have all earned places in the squad.
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s young shot stopper Robin Roefs receives a call-up despite not yet making a senior appearance for the Netherlands.
The Black Cats also see striker Brian Brobbey included as Koeman looks for attacking depth heading into the tournament.
Premier League firepower in attack
The Dutch attack features plenty of Premier League quality, both current and former.
Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert and West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville both make the cut, alongside the previously mentioned Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey.
Experienced names such as Ex-Manchester United Duo Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst also remain part of the setup as the Netherlands aim to challenge for major honours this summer.
Who is in the Netherlands’ group and what are their fixtures?
The Netherlands are in Group F, which will see the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia compete in this summer’s tournament.
Ronald Koeman’s men will take on Japan in their opening game in Dallas before travelling across the state of Texas to Houston to take on Sweden. They round out the group games against Tunisia in Kansas City.
What is the Full Netherlands World Cup squad?
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Noah Lang (Galatasaray), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
