Weghorst expresses disappointment after World Cup exit

The Netherlands national team had a disappointing World Cup 2026. After a draw against Morocco (1-1, 2026-06-30) and a loss in the penalty shootout, the team was eliminated. Wout Weghorst, who came on as a substitute and scored his penalty, looks back in an interview with De Telegraaf. "I haven't watched anything, I'm just glad it's Monday. Disappointment prevails, of course. We didn't achieve anything at all. The entire World Cup didn't bring what you want it to bring."

What went wrong according to Weghorst?

Weghorst compares it to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. "Back then, there was a mission that we had and also radiated in everything. This World Cup felt different at times." His words seem like a clear reference to head coach Ronald Koeman, who, for example, played very defensively and made substitutions against Morocco. "Things clearly need to change if you want to be successful."

Weghorst on the penalties

Just like in 2014 and 2022, it went wrong in the penalty shootout. Weghorst: "You're at the World Cup, trying to get everything out of it with full conviction. But again, those penalties… That was also a moment of pressure, of taking responsibility. Ultimately, we also showed too little personality in that."

Reaction from Theo Janssen

Weghorst also said that he won't watch the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Theo Janssen, a guest on Het Oranjecafé, disagreed. "This is nonsense. As a football lover, you watch that game. He's really saying this for the show. Every footballer watches that game. The highest level. Even if you're disappointed because of the Netherlands national team, we would never have been able to stand there?"

What's next for the Netherlands?

The Netherlands national team has an unbeaten streak of five matches (3W-2D-0L, DWWWD). The next match is at home against Germany on September 24, 2026. Weghorst hopes that the team will make a better impression then.