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Ruud van Nistelrooy is returning to international football with a new role for Netherlands. The former striker will become Ronald Koeman’s assistant coach as the national team prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Netherlands qualified unbeaten, winning six of eight matches in their campaign.
Van Nistelrooy will officially join the coaching staff on 1 February. Netherlands already know two group opponents at the 2026 tournament, with Japan and Tunisia confirmed along with another qualifier. Koeman’s team are now planning their build-up schedule towards the finals.
The Dutch Football Association confirmed the appointment and the start date for Van Nistelrooy’s duties. Netherlands will face Norway and Ecuador in March international friendlies, which should
give Koeman and Van Nistelrooy early time together on the training pitch and touchline.
Before the national role, the 49-year-old had mixed results at club level in recent seasons. Van Nistelrooy’s most recent job was at Leicester City, where the aim was Premier League survival in 2024-25. That objective was not achieved, and Leicester dropped from the English top-flight.
During that spell with Leicester, Van Nistelrooy managed four wins from 25 league matches. His record also included three draws and 18 defeats. Earlier in the same season, there was a short interim period at Manchester United, where Van Nistelrooy oversaw two games, winning one and drawing one.
Van Nistelrooy’s overall coaching profile is helped by a stronger spell with PSV. He guided the Dutch club to the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield. In the Eredivisie, Van Nistelrooy recorded 22 wins from 33 matches, with six draws, five losses and an average of 2.18 points per game.
Ruud van Nistelrooij will be part of the Dutch national team's coaching staff from February 1. The former striker will join Ronald Koeman as an assistant coach in preparation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Welcome back, Ruud! #NothingLikeOranje #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OVlzMrwqXhOnsOranje (@OnsOranje) January 16, 2026
With a strong qualifying run already completed and coaching staff now set, Netherlands move into a different phase. The focus shifts from securing a place at the 2026 World Cup to preparing performances, with Van Nistelrooy expected to support Koeman across training, tactics and squad development.
