World Cup 2022: Who could the Netherlands face in the last 16?

The Netherlands are sitting pretty on top of Group A going into the final round of fixtures.

Louis van Gaal’s side have made a steady start to their World Cup 2022 campaign, beating Senegal 2-0 in the opener before a 1-1 draw against Ecuador.

The Dutch will reach the last 16 if they avoid defeat against already-eliminated hosts Qatar on Tuesday – you can read all the Group A permutations here.

Van Gaal said ahead of his side’s final group game that the Oranje “have a chance” of winning the World Cup for the first time, and that “the players have also become convinced of that." 

To achieve that lofty goal, the Dutch would need to battle their way through four do-or-die knockout games – but who could they face first up?

Group A fixtures

• 3pm GMT: Ecuador v Senegal
• 3pm GMT: Netherlands v Qatar

The Netherlands’ potential last 16 opponents

The winners of Group A will face the runners-up from Group B in the first knockout round, while the Group A runners-up will play the Group B winners.

That means the Netherlands could still face four teams. 

Iran

Iran are currently the likeliest opponents, as the Netherlands sit top of Group A and the Iranians are second in Group B ahead of their game against the USA.

England

The Three Lions could still slip to second in Group B if they fail to beat Wales and Iran defeat the USA, which could set up a clash with the Dutch. 

Likewise, if Van Gaal’s men slip behind Ecuador or Senegal on the final day, they could them meet a group-winning England.

USA

The United States can leapfrog Iran into second place by beating them, while they would climb to the top of Group B if they win and England are beaten by Wales.

Wales

Wales have a mountain to climb, but qualification is still possible. Rob Page’s side must beat England and hope for a draw between the USA and Iran. 

If both those things come off, a clash with the Dutch could well await.