Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has secured a prominent role with the Netherlands national team ahead of this summer's World Cup.
Dutch Football Association Confirms Appointment
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) officially announced on Friday 16 January 2026 that the celebrated ex-international will rejoin the coaching setup under manager Ronald Koeman. Van Nistelrooy, 49, is set to begin his duties as an assistant coach on 1 February.
This marks a return to familiar surroundings for Van Nistelrooy, who previously served as an assistant to former Netherlands bosses Guus Hiddink and Danny Blind. His most recent managerial post was at Leicester City, which he left at the end of the 2024-25 season following the club's relegation from the Premier League. He also had a brief stint as interim coach at Manchester United in 2024.
A Storied Playing Career and New Challenge
As a player, Van Nistelrooy is fondly remembered at Old Trafford for a prolific five-year spell between 2001 and 2006. He netted an impressive 150 goals in 219 games for Manchester United, winning the Premier League and FA Cup during his tenure.
In a statement released by the KNVB, the new assistant coach expressed his delight at the appointment. "It is a huge honour to return to the Dutch team," Van Nistelrooy said. "The fact that this is happening on the stage of a World Cup makes it even more special." He added, "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."
World Cup Preparations Underway
The Netherlands, finalists in 2010, will begin their final preparations for the global tournament with warm-up friendlies against Norway and Ecuador in March. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from 11 June to 19 July.
The Dutch side has been drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Tunisia, and a yet-to-be-determined European playoff winner. Their opening match of the tournament is scheduled for 14 June in Dallas, where they will face Japan.
Van Nistelrooy's appointment adds significant tournament and big-game experience to the Dutch backroom staff as they aim to mount a serious challenge in North America.
