Oranje alters World Cup exit plans, not all players returning to Netherlands

Following their elimination from the World Cup in the round of 16 against Morocco, the Dutch national football team is set to return to Schiphol Airport on Wednesday evening around 10:50 PM. This was confirmed by the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association). The squad, under outgoing coach Ronald Koeman, was initially scheduled to land on Thursday at 1:30 AM. The Oranje's flight will now depart from Kansas City on Wednesday at 6:20 AM (local time), an earlier departure than the previously planned 9:00 AM.

Upon landing at Schiphol, players and staff will proceed to the VIP center for flight processing. This is the same location from which the Dutch national team departed for the World Cup in the United States last month. However, not all players will be flying back to the Netherlands, as several internationals are traveling to other destinations.

The Netherlands was knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 16 by Morocco, who prevailed in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following regular time and extra time. Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysensio Summerville all missed their penalties, leading to an early exit for Oranje from the World Cup.

Head coach Ronald Koeman announced his resignation on Tuesday. His highlight was reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where they lost to England. Nigel de Jong, as the KNVB's director of top football, must now swiftly find a successor for the departed coach. This search is urgent, as Oranje is scheduled to kick off the new Nations League season on September 24 with a home match against Germany.

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