First Touch ’26 - Netherlands

The Dutch have perfected and even revolutionized the game—yet somehow, the Netherlands are still the greatest nation never to win a World Cup. Will 2026 finally be their time? In this World Cup Capsule, David Gass breaks down the story of the Oranje, from Pim Mulier’s first club in the 1870s through the birth of Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV, to the rise of Total Football under Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff. We relive the heartbreak of the 1974 and 1978 finals, the near-miss in 2010, the 5–1 demolition of Spain and Tim Krul shootout heroics in 2014, and the fiery “Battle of Lusail” against Argentina in 2022. On the modern side, we look at Virgil van Dijk as the calm, commanding face of the team, supported by stars like Memphis Depay, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo and a new wave of talent including Xavi Simons, Ryan Gravenberch and Jurriën Timber. We unpack Ronald Koeman’s efficient, sometimes “uninspiring” but effective 4-3-3 variations, an undefeated qualifying campaign, and a Group F draw with Japan, Tunisia, and a yet-to-be-determined European side. Plus, we celebrate Cruyff the player, coach, and icon (right down to the Cruyff turn), the sea of orange that takes over every host city, and a country with more bikes than people still chasing the one trophy that’s always just out of reach.