Van Dijk reflects on Netherlands journey ahead of 2026 World Cup

Virgil van Dijk watches Liverpool youth matches regularly, often alone, to reconnect with his roots. The 34-year-old Dutch defender enjoys the pure football of the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams. He recalled his early struggles at Willem II and a pivotal rejection from the Netherlands Under-19 squad before the 2010 World Cup. "I never truly believed I’d play for Oranje or become captain," Van Dijk said. "I’m proud of what I’ve achieved." Van Dijk made his senior Oranje debut at 24 for Southampton, facing Kazakhstan in Astana. The Netherlands were in transition after a third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup. He credited Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuijt, and Nigel de Jong for shaping his approach to the game. "Their mentality and preparation taught me everything," he said. Under Ronald Koeman, Van Dijk became a key figure alongside Memphis Depay, Frenkie de Jong, and Georginio Wijnaldum. "You have to do it yourself—we succeeded in that period." A severe knee injury ruled him out of Euro 2021, but he led Oranje to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar. His iconic bodycheck against Argentina’s Leandro Paredes defined the tournament. Oranje opens the 2026 World Cup against Japan in Dallas on Sunday at 22:00 CET, live on NPO 1 and NPO Radio 1. "I do everything for my team," Van Dijk said. "Even if someone targets Nathan Aké, my friend, I react." With 92 caps and 76 as captain, Van Dijk approaches his potential 100th international if Oranje reaches the final. Since June 2025, he has logged 5,931 minutes—more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues. "We need unity, not just talent," Van Dijk stressed. "Belief and togetherness will take us far. We can win this."