Van Nistelrooy rejoins Netherlands coaching staff for 2026 World Cup

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will rejoin the Netherlands coaching staff as assistant to manager Ronald Koeman for the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch national association announced the appointment on Friday, with the 49-year-old former international bringing experience from his recent spell coaching Leicester in the Premier League.

The Netherlands qualified unbeaten for the World Cup, drawing only twice against Poland. Their group opponents will be Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the playoff between Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, and Albania. The Oranje lost on penalties to Argentina in the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In transfer news, Dutch forward Donyell Malen has joined AS Roma from Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy. The 26-year-old scored 10 goals in 46 appearances for Villa after moving from Borussia Dortmund in 2025. His departure could facilitate Tammy Abraham's move from Roma to Villa, where the English forward is currently on loan at Besiktas.

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/sport/football/van-nistelrooy-to-rejoin-dutch-coaching-team-for-world-cup/