The Netherlands national football team, competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026, plays its first match against Japan on Sunday at 10 p.m. Dutch time. The squad, led by coach Ronald Koeman, has had a mixed preparation, suffering a loss to Algeria (0-1) and a hard-fought victory over Uzbekistan (2-1). As a result, expectations among Dutch supporters are not particularly high for Oranje's chances at the World Cup. However, former PSV player and ESPN analyst Danny Koevermans believes that the Netherlands national football team is an outsider for the world title. "If you look purely at the selection and if it goes a bit our way, why wouldn’t we be able to achieve it?" Koevermans states. He emphasizes that friendly matches say little and that a team must grow during the tournament.

Koevermans, who played for Toronto FC from 2011 to 2013, notes that host countries Canada, Mexico, and the USA are not outsiders for the world title, unlike the Netherlands. He also points out the improved quality of Major League Soccer (MLS) and asserts that no team from that league would be relegated from the Eredivisie. "The MLS is by no means a Mickey Mouse league. The level is good, and the physical aspects of the game are also important," Koevermans remarks. He believes that clubs like PSV, Ajax, and Feyenoord will find it challenging to become champions in the MLS.

Although soccer is not the most popular sport in Canada, Koevermans observes that the national football team is performing well and that there is a growing sports culture. He finds it exciting to see local teams in cities performing well, leading to a vibrant atmosphere. Koevermans, who still keeps a close eye on PSV's performances, is also on the waiting list for a season ticket with the club. He hopes that Oranje will perform well in the upcoming World Cup and that supporters can be proud of their team.