Isa Kardinaal and Sophie Proost debut in Dutch squad for play‑offs

National team coach Arjan Veurink has announced the squad of the Dutch women's national team for the play‑off ties against Hungary, which will be played on Friday 9 October and Tuesday 13 October. The call‑up includes two newcomers, defender Isa Kardinaal of London City Lionesses and winger Sophie Proost of Bayern München.

Injuries and absentees

Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, striker Vivianne Miedema, midfielder Jackie Groenen and defender Renée van Asten remain out of the squad due to injuries. Romée Leuchter, who played for PSG just last week, is also not called up.

Match dates, opponents and World Cup context

Arjan Veurink, the national team coach, said: "I expect that we will dominate possession in both matches. Hungary is a well‑organized, hard‑working team. It is up to us to play through that organisation."

The first match will take place at the Pancho Arena in Felscút, with kickoff at 20:00. The return‑leg will be played on Tuesday 13 October in Tilburg, starting at 20:45.

Bayern talent Sophie Proost debuts, Renee van Asten misses Netherlands

If the Netherlands win the play‑offs, a confrontation with Turkey or Slovenia will follow, while Hungary currently sits at position 45 on the FIFA world ranking.

The full squad includes, among others, Lize Kop (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniëlle de Jong (Juventus) and Femke Liefting (Ajax) in attack, and a defence with Veerle Buurman (Chelsea), Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City) and Isa Kardinaal (London City Lionesses). The midfield features Daniëlle van de Donk (London City Lionesses) and Jill Roord (FC Twente). Sophie Proost (Bayern München) joins the forwards.

Belgium risks being overtaken by the Netherlands in the FIFA rankings

The 2027 World Cup will be held from 24 June to 25 July in Brazil, with 32 participating nations. Four European spots are already filled via the Nations League group winners (Denmark, France, Spain, Germany). The remaining places will be decided through the play‑offs, with the Netherlands guaranteed a World Cup spot via the Nations League ranking if it gets through the play‑offs.