Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will join the Netherlands staff under coach Ronald Koeman ahead of this year's World Cup, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said on Friday. Ex-Dutch international Van Nistelrooy has previous experience with the national squad as an assistant to past coaches Guus Hiddink and Danny Blind. In a statement, Nistelrooy said it was a "huge honour" to return to the Dutch team. "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. The 2010 World Cup finalists are in Group F along with Japan, Tunisia, and a European playoff winner.

Source: Irish Examiner January 16, 2026 18:59 UTC