A late winner from Amber Barrett gives the Republic of Ireland a dramatic 3-2 win over the Netherlands in their World Cup qualifier at a rain-lashed Cork.

Welcome to The Athletic’s 2026 World Cup tactical group guides, walking you through the key battles on the pitch, the players to look out for, and the fun facts to impress your friends ahead of the tournament.

Crysencio Summerville has expressed his "surprise" at being called up to Netherlands' squad for the upcoming World Cup in north America.

The 23-year-old, who is No 1 for Brighton and the Netherlands, tells Lawrence Ostlere that the Dutch are in North America to finally win the World Cup after so many near misses

Netherlands failed to gain any momentum in their last home game before the 2026 World Cup, losing 1-0 to Algeria in Rotterdam.

Netherlands Vs Algeria Highlights, International Friendly 2026: Algeria defeat Netherlands 1-0 through a late goal. Check real-time updates of the NED vs ALG exhibition match at the De Kuip in Rotterdam,

The Netherlands have something of a disappointing history in the World Cup. Perennial nearly men, they have thrice reached the final but are yet to take the trophy home.They will not be favourites to break their duck this year - far from it - but will be keen to at least match the quarter-final finish they managed in Qatar.

Three World Cup finals. Zero trophies. Another squad talented enough to make the wound relevant again. The Netherlands arrive in North America carrying exactly the same promise and exactly the same caveat they always do - brilliant in parts,