Van Dijk's Final Shot: Will the Dutch Finally Win the World Cup?

The pressure's on.

The Netherlands kick off their 2026 World Cup Group F campaign against Japan on Sunday. Van Dijk captains a team that's reached three World Cup finals. Still no trophy. Ever.

He turns 35 just before the quarter-finals start. That timing isn't accidental. He basically said goodbye to international football after they beat Lithuania in November to qualify. Broke Frank de Boer's captaincy record that night too — his 72nd time wearing the armband.

Club-wise, Van Dijk's done it all since Liverpool paid a fortune for him in January 2018. Everything. Internationally? Harder road. He missed the penalty when Argentina knocked them out of the Qatar quarter-finals. The Dutch didn't even make Russia 2018. Qatar? Only his second World Cup. Think about that.

Ronald Koeman took over the captaincy in 2018. Since then, the Oranje are consistent. Runners-up in the 2019 Nations League. Quarter-finalists in the 2022 World Cup. Euro 2024 semis, before England got them late. They're always *there*.

Last season? Van Dijk played more minutes than any other outfield player in Europe's top-five leagues. Called it his toughest season. Still, he scored eight for Liverpool, has 12 international goals. Fitness and leadership? Zero doubt there. He's ready.

If they somehow make the final — on 19 July at MetLife Stadium — that'll be his 100th cap.