World Cup
Koeman rotates Oranje squad as 18 players feature at 2026 World Cup
Ronald Koeman has rotated his Oranje squad extensively at the 2026 World Cup, using 18 different players across the first two matches. This follows a contrasting approach to UEFA EURO 2024, where several high-profile names saw limited minutes.
In the 5-1 victory over Sweden in Kansas City, Guus Til replaced Memphis Depay late in the match, a decision Koeman defended publicly. "I made the choice for Guus, who is doing well," Koeman stated in Houston. "I also thought he was good again today in how he presses and plays."
Koeman acknowledged that Justin Kluivert, recovering from a knee operation, may feel disappointed by the substitution. "I can imagine he is disappointed. That’s allowed and necessary. They have to show it in training. The best player plays."
Kluivert’s fitness was a talking point before the tournament. After months of rehabilitation, he made his Premier League return for Bournemouth late in the season. Koeman invited him to Zeist to assess his condition firsthand. "I must say I was positively surprised," Koeman noted.
The Oranje manager emphasized a shift in squad management compared to EURO 2024. "I have learned that for a tournament, you sometimes need to take different players and characters than you would based on a ten-day international window," he explained. "In those short periods, everyone arrives smiling and leaves smiling."
By contrast, at EURO 2024, players like Georginio Wijnaldum played in some matches but not in others, such as the game against France where he expected to start. Ryan Gravenberch, among others, did not feature at all during the tournament.
The current squad rotation has opened opportunities for several players. Memphis Depay, once an automatic starter, is now third-choice in attack. Teun Koopmeiners started in midfield against Sweden due to Frenkie de Jong’s absence and is also in contention for roles as a right winger or as a number 10.
Marten de Roon has emerged as an informal leader among the substitutes, a role he could not fulfill at EURO 2024 due to injury. Players like Mats Wieffer and Lutsharel Geertruida have embraced their roles, contributing energetically in training sessions alongside Til and keepers Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs.
Wout Weghorst, Jorrel Hato, and Kluivert remain with unfulfilled expectations. Weghorst made an immediate impact at EURO 2024, scoring the winning goal as a substitute against Poland. Koeman may consider deploying both Weghorst and Depay as late impact substitutes in high-pressure scenarios.
Koeman praised Depay’s acceptance of his reduced role. "Yes, he accepts his role," Koeman said on Saturday. "I don’t know for how long, but he does now. From his position—and that’s often not seen—he is super important and positive toward other players. I’ve always had good contact with him, so that doesn’t surprise me."