Netherlands' undefeated run could equal world record
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Since the lost final in 2010, the Oranje remain undefeated in the final stages of the World Cup: 12 matches (8 wins, 4 draws). In the event of a victory or draw against Japan in the first group match at the 2026 World Cup, the Dutch would equal Brazil's 13-match unbeaten run.
The Netherlands are currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak at the World Cup — a streak that dates back to the final they lost to Argentina in 2010. Statistically, penalty shootouts are counted as draws, which explains why tab defeats (like against Argentina) do not interrupt the official run.
In this series of twelve matches – a figure which corresponds, ironically, to the number of participations of the Oranje in the World Cup – the Dutch signed eight victories and recorded four draws. In addition to the two knockout matches against Argentina, the matches against Ecuador and Costa Rica ended in draws after extra time, then qualifying on penalties.
This longevity is remarkable: in the history of the World Cup, only one country has done better than the Netherlands. This is Pelé's Brazil, who went 13 matches without defeat between 1958 and 1966. The Auriverdes finished the 1958 and 1962 editions undefeated (and crowned champions) and won the first match of the 1966 tournament, before their series was stopped by Hungary; Brazil then lost to Portugal and were eliminated in the group stage in 1966.
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At the 2026 World Cup, the Netherlands' first meeting against Japan therefore represents a clear opportunity: a success or a draw will allow them to equal the Brazilian record (13 matches). A positive result against Sweden would be enough to write a new page in World Cup history by surpassing this total.
The main undefeated streaks of more than ten matches in the history of the World Cup:
- Brazil — 13 matches (1958: 6, 1962: 6, 1966: 1)
- Netherlands — 12 matches (2014: 7, 2022: 5)
- Italy — 12 matches (1994: 6, 1998: 5, 2002: 1)
- Uruguay — 11 matches (1930: 4, 1950: 4, 1954: 3)
- Brazil — 11 matches (1970: 6, 1974: 5)
- Brazil — 11 matches (1978: 7, 1982: 4)
- Germany — 11 matches (1990: 7, 1994: 4)
- Brazil — 11 matches (2002: 7, 2006: 4)
To follow the entire progress of the 2026 World Cup (calendar, results, groups and statistics), go to our page dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.