The Netherlands entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup with considerable optimism. You may also feel optimistic after getting the 1xBet mobile download and using it to bet on the FIFA World Cup too.
Ronald Koeman’s side had qualified comfortably by winning UEFA Group G without losing a match, and the squad featured experienced leaders, with 3 of them being:
- Virgil van Dijk;
- Frenkie de Jong;
- and Cody Gakpo.
It was expected the Dutch were capable of reaching at least the quarter-finals, particularly after their strong qualifying campaign and consistent performances in recent international tournaments. By deciding to download the mobile 1xBet app, you can also bet on the many stages of the FIFA World Cup too.
The group stage initially appeared to justify those expectations. Drawn into Group F with Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia, the Netherlands remained unbeaten. They opened with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Japan before recording victories over Sweden and Tunisia. A disciplined 3-1 win over Tunisia secured 1st place in the group, demonstrating defensive organization and enough attacking quality to finish ahead of their rivals. Although the performances were solid, they rarely displayed the creativity or dominance associated with the country’s greatest teams.
A painful elimination
The tournament took a dramatic turn in the newly introduced Round of 32. Facing Morocco in Monterrey, the Dutch controlled much of the contest and finally broke the deadlock when Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute. Instead of building on their advantage, however, the Netherlands retreated defensively. Morocco equalized through Issa Diop’s stoppage-time header, exposing the Dutch inability to manage the closing stages of a crucial match. Extra time produced no winner, sending the tie to a penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout encapsulated the disappointment of the Dutch campaign. Morocco prevailed 3-2 after several Dutch players failed from the spot, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced another decisive performance. A tournament that had begun with genuine hopes of a deep run ended abruptly against a resilient Moroccan side that showed greater composure under pressure. The defeat represented one of the earliest World Cup exits in Dutch history despite the team’s unbeaten record in open play.
The consequences were immediate. Ronald Koeman resigned following the elimination, acknowledging the profound disappointment felt throughout Dutch football. Although the Netherlands had topped their group and avoided defeat over 120 minutes, their inability to finish matches and convert penalties overshadowed everything else.
