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PALEMBANG - In a talk show presented by Tribun Sumsel and Sripoku.com, hosted by Felin, two football analysts, Teguh and Resha, discussed the Netherlands’ impressive lineup in Group F of the 2026 World Cup during the ‘Selebrasi Lokal 2026’ programme.

“It’s quite unpredictable. But my favourite in this group is the Netherlands. I’m about 70 percent confident they will qualify,” said Resha on Friday (June 5, 2026).

Analyst Teguh noted that Group F consists of the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and Sweden. He pointed out that although the Netherlands have never won a World Cup, they remain one of the favourites to lift the trophy. “Moreover, many of their players feature in top European leagues,” Teguh added.

He also highlighted Japan’s ambition, mentioning that this tournament marks a step towards their goal of becoming World Cup champions by 2030. Sweden, he said, should not be underestimated either, with several players representing major European clubs such as Alexander Isak (Liverpool) and Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal).

“And then there’s Tunisia, the dark horse from Africa. Based on my prediction, I’d rate this group eight out of ten in terms of competitiveness. Several teams could advance far — possibly even to the quarter-finals or semi-finals,” Teguh remarked.

According to Teguh, when analysing the team composition in Group F, the Netherlands stand out as a strong side despite lacking some of the star power of previous generations. “The Netherlands remain a formidable team that consistently produces world-class talent,” he said.

He further stated that even though the current Dutch team may not boast as many high-profile names as before, they always manage to emerge as contenders in every World Cup tournament.

“Take players like Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, Tijjani Reijnders from Manchester City, and Ryan Gravenberch, also at Liverpool. This shows that many Dutch players are performing in top European clubs. In a group with Japan, Tunisia, and Sweden, the Netherlands have a strong chance of reaching the last 32,” he explained.

Teguh again acknowledged the strength of Japan, describing them as a serious contender with championship ambitions, while also recognising Sweden’s European-class players and Tunisia’s resilience as a top African side.

“It’s going to be fascinating. The Netherlands still seem to maintain their classic football DNA — focusing on ball possession, building play from the back, and applying high pressure. This makes it crucial for opponents to prepare for quick counter-attacks, as the Dutch can effectively exploit spaces through their full-backs,” Resha commented.

Head coach Ronald Koeman has officially announced the Netherlands’ 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Oranje side is dominated by players active in the English Premier League and features top European stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, and the Indonesian-descended midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

Here is the complete Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup:

Goalkeepers
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen)
Robin Roefs (Sunderland)

Defenders
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool – Captain)
Nathan Aké (Manchester City)
Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen / Liverpool)
Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Lutsharel Geertruida (RB Leipzig)
Jorrel Hato (Ajax Amsterdam / Chelsea)
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa)

Midfielders
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan / Manchester City)
Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus)
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven)
Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord / Brighton & Hove Albion)
Quinten Timber (Feyenoord)

Forwards
Memphis Depay (Corinthians)
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund / AS Roma)
Wout Weghorst (Ajax Amsterdam)
Brian Brobbey (Ajax Amsterdam)
Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)
Noa Lang (PSV Eindhoven)