Virgil van Dijk Fails to Save Netherlands in 2026 World Cup

Virgil van Dijk and the Netherlands were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup by Morocco on penalties on 30 June. The Liverpool captain failed to make an impact in the final third.

What happened?

The match ended 1-1 after normal time, with Cody Gakpo and Issa Diop scoring for their respective teams. A penalty shootout was required to separate the sides.

Why it matters for Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk's decision not to take a penalty kick against Morocco has been questioned by the Dutch media. He was one of the better performers on the day, but his lack of leadership has been criticized.

What do the stats say about Van Dijk's performance?

Van Dijk completed 91 per cent of his passes and 100 per cent of his ground duels, while also making six clearances and two recoveries. He remained calm under pressure, but failed to create any chances or take any shots.

The Dutch media has given Van Dijk mixed ratings, with Voetbal Primeur awarding him a 6.5 out of 10. Voetbal International was harsher, giving him a 5/10 rating and labeling him as one of the "worst scoring players" alongside Nathan Ake.

Van Dijk's club and country teammate, Gakpo, found the back of the net in the 72nd minute. But the Dutch were unable to hold on and were knocked out of the tournament.

The Netherlands' exit from the 2026 World Cup has been met with disappointment from the supporters. The players, including Van Dijk, are being held accountable for the team's performance.

Van Dijk's performance has been scrutinized by the Dutch media, with some questioning his leadership. He will look to bounce back from this disappointment and lead his team to success in the future.