Ezechiel Banzuzi has confirmed his international future lies with Congo, as Netherlands national football team coach Xavi Hernández prepares his first squad selection. The Dutch side currently leads its World Cup qualifying group with seven points from three games and a +6 goal difference.
Which player has chosen a different country?
According to Voetbal International, Ezechiel Banzuzi has decided to continue his international career with DR Congo. The RB Leipzig midfielder has featured for various Dutch youth teams in recent years, including the U21s. His choice ends his involvement with the Dutch youth setup. Interest from Congo emerged in March, but Banzuzi was not ready to make a final decision at that time. He prioritized his path with the Dutch youth teams. "I was a bit in shock, but it's nice that they are interested," the player said back then. Congo participated in the 2026 World Cup this summer, advancing from the group stage before losing to England in the first knockout round.
Who is on coach Xavi's radar?
New head coach Xavi Hernández was in attendance at the clash between Ajax and PSV last weekend. According to Hart van Nederland, he had to announce his first preliminary squad the following day. Xavi has stressed that no one's place is automatic and that he is actively tracking young talents. AZ's Kees Smit is a notable name the coach has already mentioned himself. Players like PSV's Ruben van Bommel and Feyenoord's Luciano Valente are also mentioned as talents on his watchlist. A panel by the same news outlet shows 77 percent of fans have a lot or some confidence in the new coach. Xavi will announce his final squad on September 18th for the Nations League match against Germany on September 24th, a fixture listed on our fixtures page.
How is the Netherlands positioned in qualifying?
The Netherlands has started the new cycle strongly and leads its World Cup qualifying group unbeaten. The team has seven points from three matches, with two wins and a draw. The last result was a 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 30th. The side has scored ten goals and conceded four, resulting in a +6 goal difference. The Netherlands holds a two-point lead over Japan, who is second in the group. Recent form is solid with three wins and two draws in the last five outings. For the upcoming international break, however, Xavi will be without injured key players like Frenkie de Jong, Mats Wieffer and Xavi Simons, as shown on our injuries page.
Where does the Netherlands play next?
The next official assignment for the Dutch national team is the Nations League match against Germany on September 24th. That match will be played at home and marks Xavi's debut as head coach. It begins an important period for the squad to further prove itself. Following the match against Germany, a double-header against Serbia in the Nations League awaits. The full schedule for the coming months can be found on our fixtures page. The current World Cup qualifying standings, where the Netherlands leads, are always updated on the standings page.
