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Jan Paul van Hecke has the chance to uphold a family tradition and reach the 2026 World Cup final with the Netherlands national team, potentially matching the achievement of his uncle, Jan Poortvliet, who played in the 1978 World Cup title match.
The defender, Van Hecke, is expected to start for the "Oranje" in their opening Group F fixture of the North American tournament. That match is scheduled for Sunday against Japan in Arlington, Texas.
"The feeling of pride is immense. It's fantastic to be here now. This is my dream," the 26-year-old defender told the media.
Jan Paul van Hecke was called into the Netherlands squad due to an injury to Jurriën Timber. Interestingly, Van Hecke's uncle secured his place in the Dutch team in a similar fashion back in 1978. Jan Poortvliet, playing as a left-back, benefited from Hugo Hovenkamp's injury absence.
At the 1978 World Cup, the Netherlands lost the final 3-1 after extra time to hosts Argentina. Poortvliet had only made his debut for the "Oranje" two weeks before the tournament began. The 70-year-old Poortvliet is Van Hecke's uncle on his mother's side.
The Netherlands' other opponents in the World Cup group stage are Sweden and Tunisia.
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