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FourFourTwo
FourFourTwo
Sport
Joe Baker

The Netherlands are the World Cup 2026 dark horses people aren't talking about enough

Players of Netherlands pose for a team photograph prior to the International Friendly between Netherlands and Norway at Johan Cruijff Arena on March 27, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

If England are near the top of the list of underachieving footballing nations, then the Netherlands cannot be far behind.

There is a symmetry in their respective trials and tribulations. Each has only one trophy, despite a historic wealth in playing talent. For Charlton, Moore and the World Cup 1966, see van Basten, Gullit and Euro 1988.

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