Netherlands World Cup draw 2022: Group A results with Senegal, matches, fixtures, star players, roster and coach

After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the Netherlands is ready to return to the biggest stage in Qatar. Louis van Gaal is in his third spell as head coach and will be determined to guide his nation to their maiden World Cup success, having led them to third place in 2014.

Van Gaal is able to call upon some high-quality players, such as Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but it remains to be seen whether the Dutch are capable of going all the way.

Here's a look at what to expect from the Netherlands at the tournament and who they could face in the group stages.

Tough game!
Big team effort!
Over all a really good week with @onsoranje
Thanks to the supporters they were really rooting for us today! pic.twitter.com/o9pm5wSxZi

— Memphis Depay (@Memphis) March 30, 2022

MORE: How does World Cup draw work?

Netherlands World Cup draw Group A

The Netherlands has been drawn to face hosts Qatar, alongside Senegal and Ecuador in FIFA 2022 World Cup Group A in an outcome that will see teams from four continents face off for places in the knockout stages. 

Senegal is bound to be a dangerous opponent following their African Cup of Nations win earlier this year, whilst Qatar is also current champions of their respective federation having won the AFC Cup back in 2019.

Ecuador makes up the other place in the group, having qualified safely in fourth place from their CONMEBOL group phase.

World Cup Group A table & fixtures

World Cup Group A table & fixtures

Group A match schedule

Netherlands all-time World Cup groups

Netherlands World Cup snapshot

Netherlands were disappointed to exit Euro 2020 at the Round of 16 stage as they lost to Czech Republic, but they have won the majority of their matches since and will be hopeful of faring considerably better in Qatar.

• Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 10 (February 2022)
• World Cup titles: 0
• World Cup appearances (last): 10 (2014)
• How qualified: UEFA - Winners qualification Group G
• Record 2021 W-L-D (Goals Scored/Allowed): 11-1-3 (44/11)
• Record 2022 W-L-D (Goals Scored/Allowed): 1-0-0 (4/2)

Netherlands FIFA World Cup squad overview

There are some hugely talented players in this Netherlands squad, but there are some concerns about the depth at Van Gaal's disposal.

• Star Players: Virgil Van Dijk, Frenkie De Jong, Memphis Depay
• Captain (vice-captain): Virgil van Dijk (Georginio Wijnaldum)
• Players to Watch: Donyell Malen, Steven Bergwijn
• Players to play in WCQ: 34
• Players in Top 5 Euro leagues (% of WCQ pool): 18 (53%)

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭. ⚽️⚡️ @StevenBergwijn

Full highlights » https://t.co/YbU8X2noFD.#NEDGER pic.twitter.com/J7vjdK0BO4

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 30, 2022

Although they may not be as strong as some of their great sides of the past, the Netherlands have some exceptional operators. It remains to be seen how cohesive they will be as a unit but there is a good core for Van Gaal to work with. 

MORE: Top teams to miss 2022 World Cup

Regular starting XI

3-4-1-2 (left to right): Cillessen (GK) — De Ligt, Ake, Van Dijk — Blind, Wijnaldum, De Jong, Dumfries — Berghuis — Bergwijn, Depay.

Strengths: 

• Attack — Depay and Bergwijn capable of causing problems for any opponent.
• Strong spine, with Van Dijk and De Jong key.

Weaknesses: 

• No settled number one goalkeeper — Incumbent number one goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen missed Euro 2020 due to COVID-19 and questions have remained since.
• Van Gaal's preferred back three can stifle attacking momentum.

Who is Netherlands' head coach?

The vastly experienced Van Gaal hopes the third time is a charm as he tackles a familiar task once again. Previously in charge of major clubs such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax, his Netherlands team went close in 2014.

Although he has won a host of trophies during his career, Van Gaal's possession-orientated style of play has sometimes been described as being somewhat boring to watch. Van Dijk recently stated that he would rather play with a back four than Van Gaal's usual back three.

• Manager (Nationality): Louis Van Gaal (Dutch)
• Date hired: August 4, 2021
• Record as national team manager (third spell) (W-L-D): 6-0-3
• Major titles since hire: None

Notable victories: 5-1 v Spain (2014 World Cup), 8-1 v Hungary (2014 World Cup qualification), 4-2 v Denmark (2022 Friendly).

11 – The Netherlands have qualified for their 11th World Cup, and their first since the 2014 edition, when they finished third under current manager Louis van Gaal. Return. #NEDNOR pic.twitter.com/eJ4fCj1iLT

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) November 16, 2021

Netherlands World Cup qualifying results

Although they lost to Turkey in their opening fixture, it was a rather serene qualifying process for the Netherlands thereafter. The Dutch won seven of their ten games and scored an impressive 33 goals.

Netherlands World Cup Qualifying Leaders