Will qualifying for the World Cup still be a problem or are we already there?

Two games to go — and it’s looking good for Oranje. The next week will decide whether the Netherlands officially books its ticket to the 2026 World Cup, or if we’ll need to wait a little longer for confirmation. But honestly, with the form we’re in, it already feels like we’re almost there.

First the away game against Poland

Next Friday, November 13, the Netherlands faces Poland away. It’s a tough trip, but the situation couldn’t look much better for us. We’re three points ahead of Poland and sitting on a +13 goal difference — a serious cushion at this stage of the campaign. Poland will give it everything, of course, but the Dutch have shown time and again that when the stakes are high, this team knows how to deliver.

PGE Narodowy stadion Poland

There’s confidence in the camp and a real sense of togetherness. The defense has been solid, the midfield looks composed, and the attack is finally finding rhythm with Gakpo, Memphis and Malen. If Oranje play to their strengths — keeping possession, using width, and staying calm under pressure — it’s hard to see Poland turning things around. A win on Friday could all but seal qualification.

Home to finish it off against Lithuania

And then comes the final match on November 17: the home game against Lithuania. With all respect, it’s the kind of fixture you want to close out a qualification campaign. Lithuania have just three points from seven matches, and they’ve struggled throughout. In Amsterdam, with the home crowd behind us, you’d expect a professional and convincing performance to finish the job in style.

What’s encouraging is not just the results but the attitude. This Dutch team looks mature — there’s less drama, more focus. Players seem to understand their roles, and there’s a quiet belief running through the squad. You can sense that they’re not getting carried away, but they know they’re close.

The selection for the 2 games

National coach Ronald Koeman has called up Luciano Valente to the Dutch national team for the first time. Matthijs de Ligt will also be back in for the first time in a long time. This time no Frimpong as he is injured.

The folowing players are selected:

Let’s finish the job

For fans, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for: seeing Oranje not just qualify, but do it with authority. The pieces are coming together — strong leadership at the back, creativity in midfield, and sharp finishing up front. Too bad we don´t have van Gaal to help us win the big cup .

So, two matches left. Six points still on the table. One last push to make sure everything is official. If all goes as expected, we’ll soon be celebrating another World Cup qualification — one that feels earned, built on hard work and confidence rather than luck.

The dream of seeing Oranje on the world stage again is just around the corner. Let’s finish the job.