Statistics show that the Netherlands has not lost a single World Cup match in regulation or extra time since their defeat to Spain in the 2010 South Africa final, courtesy of Andres Iniesta’s famous extra-time goal.
The Oranje participated in the 2014 edition under manager Louis van Gaal, where they famously thrashed Spain 5-1 and defeated Australia and Chile in the group stage. In the knockout rounds, they overcame Mexico and Costa Rica to reach the semifinals. There, they clashed with Argentina in a match that ended in a goalless draw. The penalty shootout ultimately favored Lionel Messi’s teammates, eliminating an incredible Dutch generation led by Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. The Netherlands then went on to beat Brazil 3-0 to secure third place.
After surprisingly missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Dutch team returned with a completely different generation in 2022, once again guided by Louis van Gaal. They defeated Senegal and Qatar, and drew with Ecuador in the group stage, before bypassing the United States in the Round of 16. However, they clashed with Argentina yet again, this time in the quarterfinals. After a 2-2 draw following extra time, penalties favored Lionel Messi and his companions once more, with a 4-3 shootout scoreline.
In 2026, the Netherlands drew with Japan and defeated both Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage, only to fall for the third consecutive time in the World Cup via penalties—this time against Morocco in the Round of 32.
Across their last 13 consecutive World Cup matches, the Netherlands has won 9 and drawn 4 in open play. Yet, they remain without the coveted gold trophy, completely undone by the curse of penalty shootouts!
