Dutch goal king not expecting much from Netherlands at FIFA World Cup

Published June 11, 2026 at 6:30 am

Written by Joey Peeps

This Premier League golden boot winner has dismissed his nation’s chances of going the distance at the FIFA World Cup

Former Premier League Golden Boot winner and Atletico Madrid forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands – his home country – won’t be pulling up any trees at the FIFA World Cup.

Hasselbaink, who famously made an impact in English football, banging in goals for Leeds United, Chelsea and Middlesborough during a glittering playing career lamented the lack of attacking stars in this current Dutch team.

No sexy football from 2026 Dutch vintage

Asked in a recent interview what the minimum objective for Ronald Koeman’s team is, Hasselbaink said on behalf of 10bet:

“Not a lot. I don’t think the Netherlands have got a good chance of doing anything special at the tournament.”

While he did concede the Dutch were solid defensively, he admitted he was worried about them going forward, saying: “They are very good defensively and very good in midfield, but there’s not so much flair up top. That has been the difference compared to the past. If they change their mentality and say, “Okay guys, we’re going to be solid and we’re going to keep a clean sheet,” then they will go far, because they can always score a goal. But if they are going to play open and expansive football, then I don’t think it’s going to happen. Then I think it’s going to be difficult.”

Walking in Memphis

Asked who he expected to provide the goal threat for Holland, Hasselbaink identified Dutch veteran Memphis Depay, saying: “It’s going to have to be Memphis, but I haven’t seen a lot from him of late because he plays in Brazil, so I don’t know how fit he is. The good thing is he will be used to the heat and the climate, so that will help. But how well he will do or how match-fit he actually is—that will be a bit of a risk.”

We happen to agree with Hasselbaink that the Dutch won’t offer much of a threat in the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup starts tonight with Mexico vs South Africa, 20:00.