Netherlands Squad Announced: Meerdink Earns Maiden Call-Up

Mexx Meerdink gets first Netherlands call-up for World Cup Qualifiers

Mexx Meerdink, a 22-year-old striker from AZ Alkmaar, has received his first-ever call-up to the Netherlands national team.

Meerdink's inclusion comes as a response to Memphis Depay's limited playing time...

Mexx Meerdink has received his first-ever call-up to the Netherlands national team, joining a 24-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The 22-year-old striker from AZ Alkmaar will provide additional attacking options under coach Ronald Koeman.

Meerdink's inclusion comes as a response to Memphis Depay's limited playing time, with the Dutch record goalscorer managing only 45 minutes for Corinthians since the last qualifiers. Depay recently set a new record of 52 goals for the national team. Other notable forwards in the squad include Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, Donyell Malen from Aston Villa, and Wout Weghorst from Ajax.

Memphis Depay is part of the Netherlands squad for the World Cup qualifiers, but Feyenoord midfielder Sem Steijn didn't make the cut after his debut as a substitute against Lithuania. Another notable absence is Brian Brobbey, who has struggled to get playing time at Sunderland with only two brief substitute appearances in the Premier League.

Quilindschy Hartman has earned a recall to the Netherlands squad after almost two years, having last played for the national team in November 2023. The Burnley defender switched to the Premier League from Feyenoord at the start of the season and brings valuable experience to the squad.

The Netherlands is currently leading Group G with 10 points from four matches, edging out Poland on goal difference. Poland, however, has played one more match than the Netherlands. Finland sits in third place with seven points from five games, followed by Lithuania with three points and Malta with two points at the bottom of the group.

Current Group G Standings:

1. Netherlands: 10 points (4 matches)
2. Poland: 10 points (5 matches)
3. Finland: 7 points (5 matches)
4. Lithuania: 3 points (5 matches)
5. Malta: 2 points (5 matches)

The top team in Group G will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The runner-up will advance to the second round (play-offs).

Meerdink thrived in Conference League qualifying | Opta by StatsPerform

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Stefan de Vrij (Inter), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Quilindschy Hartman (Burnley), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Quinten Timber (Feyenoord), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton).

Miidfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Aston Villa), Mexx Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)

The Netherlands will face Malta on October 9 and Finland on October 12 in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Selected for Jong Oranje! 🔶#TheNextUp pic.twitter.com/Q0c8CMmJHO

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 3, 2025