The Netherlands arrive at their 12th World Cup carrying one of football's most persistent contradictions: three final appearances and zero titles. They were runners up in 1974, 1978, and 2010, losing each time and cementing a reputation as the greatest team never to win the tournament. The 1974 side under Rinus Michels introduced Total Football to the world, and that commitment to expressive, technically demanding play has defined Dutch football ever since. A third place finish in 2014 and a quarterfinal run in 2022 confirmed they remain genuine contenders rather than nostalgic participants.

Ronald Koeman's side earned their place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada the hard way, topping UEFA Group G across eight matches without a single defeat. They were dominant for most of the campaign, beating Malta eight goals to nil, thrashing Finland four goals to nil at home, and winning the return in Kaunas against Lithuania three goals to two. The only points dropped came in two one all draws against Poland, home and away. Netherlands sealed qualification on 11/17/25 with a four nil victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam, finishing with 20 points, 27 goals scored, and just four conceded across the entire campaign.