This has never happened before in history. The Netherlands national team fields a unique starting lineup

An unprecedented and truly paradoxical statistical milestone was recorded at the 2026 World Cup just before kickoff in the match between the Netherlands and Japan.

Details: Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman named a starting lineup that, according to Opta, for the first time ever in the country's World Cup history, did not feature a single Eredivisie player. All 11 Dutch starters for this clash play exclusively in top foreign leagues.

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This situation is made even more symbolic—and somewhat ironic—by the fact that the Netherlands' opponents, Japan, included two players from the Dutch league in their own starting XI.

As a result, the Dutch domestic league actually had greater representation in the Asian team than in its own national side.

Reminder: The captain of the Netherlands criticized the USA for the lack of atmosphere ahead of the World Cup.