For us, the owners of Oldschool Football Shirts, it's been 20 years since we consciously experienced our first World Cup. We didn't participate in 2002, and in 1998 we were too young to remember it clearly. That's why we thought it might be fun to revisit the World Cup jerseys from the past 20 years. The Dutch National Team has experienced a lot at World Cups over the past two decades. Highs and lows were often close together. Jerseys are inextricably linked to these moments. A jersey immediately brings to mind a specific tournament and probably a particular moment from that tournament. In this blog, we'll dive into these moments.
View our collection of Dutch National Team football shirts
2006 World Cup – Germany - The jersey of a new generation
After missing the 2002 World Cup, 2006 felt like a fresh start. Under coach Marco van Basten, a new Oranje team emerged. Younger, talented, and with players who would become the face of the Netherlands in the coming years.
With names like Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, and van Persie, there was optimism. Supporters saw the contours of something beautiful. By then, they were no longer rising talents but established names. Combined with veterans like van Bronckhorst, Cocu, and van der Sar, it seemed like a recipe for success.
However, the tournament ended in frustration. The round of 16 match against Portugal completely escalated into cards, skirmishes, and chaos. The duel later became known as the Battle of Nuremberg. As a result, the 2006 World Cup jersey evokes mixed feelings for many fans: hope, talent, but also missed opportunities.
2010 World Cup – South Africa - The "almost" jersey
If there's one Oranje jersey that immediately brings back memories, it's the one from 2010.
That jersey represents a summer when all of the Netherlands believed. Terraces turned orange, streets were filled with flags, and every match felt bigger than the last. Oranje grew throughout the tournament, becoming a team that came closer and closer to something historic.
The comeback against Brazil. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's goal against Uruguay. The endless tension of the final. And of course, that moment: Arjen Robben alone, heading towards the goal.
Everyone in the Netherlands still remembers where they were when that happened.
That's precisely why this jersey lives on so strongly. Not only because Oranje reached the final, but because the jersey symbolizes the feeling that it truly could happen. Despite the loss, we see that this is the most popular Dutch National Team jersey we have in our collection.
2014 World Cup – Brazil - The jersey of surprise and pride
Expectations were low beforehand. Many experts thought Oranje was in a transitional phase. But what followed became one of the most memorable World Cup campaigns ever.
The 5-1 against Spain felt like a national explosion of disbelief and pride. Robin van Persie's diving header is still one of the most iconic World Cup moments for the Dutch National Team. Arjen Robben's runs, Memphis Depay's energy, and Louis van Gaal's tactical masterstrokes made this a special tournament. Expectations were low beforehand, but with a third-place finish, all expectations were exceeded.
For many fans, the 2014 jersey is the jersey of pure surprise from a team nobody expected, but one that everyone will remember. Especially the away shirt worn against Spain, in which van Persie scored the diving header. That's why we show both jerseys.
2022 World Cup – Qatar - The jersey of character
The 2022 World Cup felt different. Less romantic perhaps, but with a team that showed resilience. It was also the first World Cup for the new generation with Virgil van Dijk, Dumfries, and Frenkie de Jong.
Under the leadership of Louis van Gaal, Oranje grew throughout the tournament. And then came that quarter-final against Argentina. The late free kick. The clever variation. Wout Weghorst's 2-2 in injury time. Pure chaos. Pure emotion. Pure hope.
Even though the adventure ended after penalties, that moment is etched in the collective Oranje memory. As a result, the 2022 jersey is a symbol of fighting spirit, courage, and character for many supporters.
2026 World Cup – The jersey of new dreams
Every new World Cup jersey begins with hope.
With largely the same players as during the 2022 World Cup and some new faces, we may not hope for a final, but certainly for exciting matches and moments.
Perhaps it will be a jersey of glory. Perhaps of disappointment. Perhaps of a moment that will remain in memory forever. The jersey itself won't be the problem.
Our most popular Dutch National Team jersey
The most popular jersey we've sold, by far, is the one from 2010. Especially with Wesley Sneijder and his number 10 on the back. The 2010 jersey with Robben on the back is a close second.
If you're looking for original, authentic Dutch National Team jerseys, dive into our collection of Oranje jerseys.
