Netherlands captain Van Dijk emphasizes team’s readiness for Tunisia

The Netherlands are gearing up for their final Group F match against Tunisia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and captain Virgil van Dijk wants everyone to know his squad is ready.

The match is scheduled for June 25 at Kansas City Stadium, with kickoff set for around 18:00 local time. A win would lock in the Dutch as group leaders heading into the knockout rounds.

How the Netherlands got here

The Dutch campaign started with a 2-2 draw against Japan on June 14. Van Dijk scored in that match, notching his first-ever World Cup goal in what was a hard-fought contest.

Things improved dramatically in their second outing. The Netherlands dismantled Sweden 5-1, showing the kind of attacking firepower that had been missing in the opener.

Van Dijk dealt with a minor injury scare during the Sweden match, described as a pinched nerve. He has indicated he expects to be fit for the Tunisia clash, which is welcome news for a squad that leans heavily on his leadership at the back.

Van Dijk’s record and the bigger picture

The captain could set a new record for the most World Cup appearances as captain for the Netherlands when he takes the field in Kansas City.

Coach Ronald Koeman’s side features key players like Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has been an important part of the squad’s midfield engine.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Netherlands reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated.

Van Dijk has been deliberate about not looking ahead to potential matchups or concerning himself with Japan’s pursuit of the group lead. The focus is squarely on Tunisia and controlling what the team can control.

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