Ruud Van Nistelrooy named Netherlands assistant coach for FIFA World Cup 2026

New Delhi: Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will join the Netherlands coaching staff under coach Ronald Koeman ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said on Friday, January 16.

The former Dutch international Van Nistelrooy has previous experience with the national side, as an assistant to previous head coaches Guus Hiddink and Danny Blind. The striker has also served as an interim coach at Manchester United for a brief spell in 2024.

Van Nistelrooy was most recently in charge of Leicester City, who parted ways with the former Man United player at the end of the 2024-25 season after they were relegated from the Premier League. The 49-year-old scored 35 goals in 70 matches for the Dutch National team.

The Netherlands will be next in action in March, when they will take on Norway and Ecuador in a couple of warm-up matches heading into the World Cup, which will be held in the United States (USA), Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The 2010 World Cup finalists are placed in Group F along with Japan, Tunisia, and a European playoff winner.

In a statement, Nistelrooy said that it is a huge honour for him, and the fact that this is happening at the stage of a World Cup makes it even more special.

"The fact that this is happening on the stage of a World Cup makes it even more special," said the 49-year-old, who will begin his role on February 1.

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"With my experience in various roles, including that of assistant, I know that this position is also a good fit for me. I look forward to fulfilling this role in a meaningful way and contributing to a successful tournament," he added.

The Netherlands will take on Japan in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 14 in Dallas.