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Ruud van Nistelrooy Named Netherlands Assistant Coach Ahead of World Cup

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed assistant coach for the Netherlands national team, starting February 1, 2026.
He will assist Ronald Koeman, head coach of the Netherlands, as the team prepares for the FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Netherlands is grouped with Japan, Tunisia, a playoff winner among Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania.
Previously, Netherlands qualified for the World Cup without defeat and were eliminated in the 2022 quarter-finals.

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Story summary

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed assistant coach for the Netherlands national team, starting February 1, 2026.
He will assist Ronald Koeman, head coach of the Netherlands, as the team prepares for the FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Netherlands is grouped with Japan, Tunisia, a playoff winner among Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania.
Previously, Netherlands qualified for the World Cup without defeat and were eliminated in the 2022 quarter-finals.