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Ruud van Nistelrooy to Join Netherlands Staff Feb. 1 Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Dutch officials frame the hire as a specialist boost to the attack before tournament preparations.

Overview

  • The KNVB said the former striker will join Ronald Koeman’s staff as an assistant on February 1.
  • Koeman highlighted his attacking expertise and ability to coach the forwards individually.
  • His first involvement will come in the March window, when the Netherlands face Norway and Ecuador in friendlies.
  • Recent roles included a brief interim stint managing Manchester United in 2024 and a Leicester job that ended following relegation in 2025.
  • He had been linked to United’s caretaker vacancy this month before the club appointed Michael Carrick.