Manager Ronald Koeman's options ran thin after a host of stars were hit with injuries, including Frenkie de Jong, Robin Roefs, Justin Kluivert, Emmanuel Emegha, Matthijs de Ligt, and Crysencio Summerville, who Koeman said was in serious contention for a spot in the World Cup squad.
All-time top scorer Memphis Depay and Bayer Leverkusen keeper Mark Flekken have been called up despite physical difficulties. Flekken played his last game for Leverkusen on January 17th, while Depay is struggling with a knee injury that kept him out of Friday's game against Chapecoense. Arsenal star Jurriën Timber, who was taken off with an injury in Arsenal's 2-1 win against Everton last weekend, also features in Koeman's squad.
Meanwhile, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey returns to the Netherlands squad for the first time since March 2025, when the 8-time international featured against Spain in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League.
50-million-euro rated AZ talent Kees Smit, who was named Player of the Tournament at last summer's Under-19 European Championships, received his maiden call-up after scoring four goals and assisting a further eight, four of which came in the UEFA Conference League.
The Netherlands, who were drawn into Group F with Japan, Tunisia, and a European qualifier at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, play friendlies against Norway on March 27th and Ecuador on March 31st.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Justin Bijlow (Genoa), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen)
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Stefan de Vrij (Inter), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurriën Timber
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV), Luciano Valente (Feyenoord), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Quinten Timber (Olympique Marseille), Kees Smit (AZ),
Forwards: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Donyell Malen (Aston Villa), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Wout Weghorst (Ajax), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)