Netherlands begins preparations for WK-2026 with open training

The Netherlands national football team has started preparations for the World Cup 2026. The team held an open training session on Sunday afternoon at the KNVB's training complex in Zeist. During this, the players practiced in front of the audience and media. Team coach Ronald Koeman has selected 26 players for this tournament, out of which only Jurien Timbers was absent. Timberg played with Arsenal on Saturday in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, which his team lost in a penalty shootout. He also paraded with the top team after winning the title for the first time in London on Sunday.

Other players of the team, Lutsharel Geertuida and Ian Maatsen, also took part in the training. Both of these players are on the standby list in Timber's absence. Now that Timbers has played against Paris, there is no doubt about his fitness. Memphis Depay has also joined the squad, who was another big question in the selection. Netherlands will play its first World Cup match against Japan on June 14. Before this match, the team has to play two practice matches. A traditional farewell match against Algeria will be played on Wednesday night, while next week there will be a clash against Uzbekistan in New York on Monday. Crescencio Somerville can get a chance to play the first match of his international career in this tournament. The 24-year-old West Ham United striker is being considered as the new face in this time's team.