Founding And Early Years

The History of the Netherlands National Football Team

Founding and Early Years

The Netherlands national football team was founded in 1889 and played its first international match in 1905 against Belgium. The team has played in several World Cups and European Championships, achieving success in 1974 and 1988 by winning the three major tournaments. The Netherlands is known for its attacking style of play and its development of the "Total Football" philosophy, which emphasizes teamwork and versatility.

Golden Age and Amsterdam Tournament

The 1950s and 1960s marked a golden age for Dutch football, with the team winning the European Championship in 1957 and being runners-up in the 1966 World Cup. The Amsterdam Tournament also played a major role in this period, promoting the "Total Football" philosophy and attracting international attention to Dutch football.

Recent History

The Netherlands qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament since 2014. The team is currently ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings and is considered a contender for the World Cup title.

Contact Information

Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB)
Woudenbergseweg 56-58
3700 AM Zeist
Netherlands
Phone: +31 343 499 201
Fax: +31 343 499 189
E-mail: info@knvb.nl