Ronald Koeman under pressure after 2-2 draw with Japan

Pressure on Ronald Koeman has surged after the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan at the World Cup, prompting widespread speculation in the country about who will replace him as national team coach once the tournament ends. The draw, which saw the Dutch side lose two points, has intensified calls for change. Dick Advocaat famously swapped Arjen Robben for Paul Bosvelt during Euro 2004, turning a 2-1 advantage into a 2-3 defeat for the Netherlands, and Jan Mulder called for his dismissal. Louis van Gaal later sent Tim Krul onto the field in the 2014 World Cup quarter‑final against Costa Rica, and four years later introduced Wout Weghorst against Argentina, where the striker helped level the match before Argentina won on penalties. In the recent Japan match, Ronald Koeman removed Crysencio Summerville, a move that critics say cost the Netherlands two points. Critics also argue that the replacements of Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Summerville were "koren op hun molen".

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Joey Veerman of PSV was omitted from the World Cup squad, with Koeman explaining that "Het karakter van Joey is anders". Veerman appeared in a G‑Star clothing advert with an orange ball labelled "Holland", and Koeman later laughed when asked about it, saying "Ik kan er wel om lachen". Peter Bosz, the PSV trainer, has been linked to the job but reportedly heard nothing from the KNVB and extended his contract at PSV without a release clause. Erik ten Hag, former Ajax coach who spent recent years at Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, now works as sporting director at FC Twente, where he said "Ik heb voor twee jaar getekend bij FC Twente. De KNVB hoeft niet te bellen" and added "Het is iets dat ik best wel ambieer".

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Arne Slot, recently unemployed after his stint at Liverpool, is seen as a logical option; Valentijn Driessen said "Arne Slot komt op zijn knieën naar Zeist". Michael Reiziger, a former Barcelona defender, currently coaches Jong Oranje and guided them to the Euro U21 semi‑final. Koeman's contract is set to expire after the tournament and his wife Bartina continues her long‑term battle with cancer, factors that add to the speculation. With a group match against Sweden looming, Koeman can still influence the outcome with different substitution choices.