Overview
- The KNVB confirmed the appointment on January 16, with van Nistelrooy set to begin on February 1 as an assistant to Ronald Koeman.
- Koeman highlighted van Nistelrooy’s value for mentoring forwards, and technical director Nigel de Jong framed the hire as part of expanding resources for a major tournament.
- The Netherlands will play warm-up friendlies in March against Norway and Ecuador as preparations accelerate for the summer tournament.
- Oranje are in Group F with Japan, Tunisia, and a European playoff winner, opening against Japan on June 14 in Dallas.
- Van Nistelrooy previously assisted the national team under Guus Hiddink and Danny Blind, managed Leicester City last season, and was recently linked with but not chosen for Manchester United’s caretaker role, which went to Michael Carrick.