Van Nistelrooy returns to Oranje: joins Koeman’s staff as Netherlands target 2026 World Cup glory

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be part of the Dutch national team's coaching staff for this summer's World Cup .

Van Nistelrooy will link up with the Netherlands from February 1st and assist head coach Ronald Koeman in preparation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The move represents a return to the national set-up for Van Nistelrooy. He previously worked alongside former Oranje manager Guus Hiddink at the 2014 World Cup , held in Brazil.

The 49-year-old has been out of work since leaving Leicester City in June, following the Foxes' relegation from the Premier League .

Van Nistelrooy endured a tough time at the King Power Stadium. He replaced Steve Cooper at the Premier League side in November 2024 but was unable to halt a slide towards relegation. Van Nistelrooy won just 18.52% of his 27 games in charge before departing by mutual consent.

His previous coaching experience includes a spell at PSV Eindhoven and a short interim role with Manchester United in 2024. He won the KNVB Cup with the former in 2022-23.

The Netherlands have been drawn in Group F at the World Cup and face Japan in the opening fixture on June 14th, in Arlington, Texas.

Their other group opponents are Tunisia and the winner of UEFA's Path B play-offs, due to be held in March. The Path B teams are Ukraine, Sweden, Poland and Albania.