Van Dijk trusts the Oranje: 'We can achieve something very special'

Virgil van Dijk has expressed his belief that the Netherlands team has the potential to compete for the title at the 2026 World Cup. The Oranje captain highlights that the team has matured and strengthened since the painful elimination against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. In an interview with FIFA, Van Dijk reflected on that intense semi-final in Qatar, where his team was eliminated on penalties after a thrilling comeback. "It was a very intense match that I will remember for a long time," commented the Liverpool defender.

The player also mentioned that the fact that Argentina was crowned world champion may have helped them assimilate the defeat, since that allows them to say that they fell to the best. According to the captain, this experience has strengthened the team, which has many players who have experienced their first major competition in Qatar or at Euro 2024 and who are now at the peak of their careers. "The majority play for big clubs and in the Champions League. In the end, it's not just about having great players, but about forming the best team," he added.

Van Dijk firmly believes that the Netherlands have what it takes to challenge for their first world title. "Yes, I think we can win the World Cup. We are a very united group and I really believe that. Of course, you also need a bit of luck and for the players to stay fit, but looking at this group, I think we can achieve something very special," he said. The Netherlands team has come close to achieving world glory on three previous occasions: 1974, 1978 and 2010, with the last final being especially memorable for Van Dijk, who recalled Arjen Robben's famous occasion.

Currently, Van Dijk has played 90 international matches for the national team and is preparing for his second World Cup as captain in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Before the tournament, the Oranje have a farewell match scheduled on June 3 against Algeria, followed by a final friendly against Uzbekistan on June 8. The Netherlands' World Cup debut will be on June 14 against Japan, followed by meetings with Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage.