Analyst Jan Mulder Predicts Early World Cup Exit for Belgium and the Netherlands
Both Belgium and the Netherlands have qualified for the upcoming world Cup and will benefit from seeded status in the draw. Though, analyst Jan Mulder has offered a pessimistic outlook for both teams’ chances of progressing beyond the group stage.
In a recent column for Humo,Mulder stated bluntly,”in America,Belgium and the Netherlands do not survive the group stage. After positioning themselves worse than ever in a grueling first World Cup week, Frenkie, Amadou and friends will instantly have to go on holiday to Ibiza.”
Mulder is known for his direct commentary, and this prediction appears aimed at tempering expectations following the two nations’ qualification.
Despite Mulder’s stark assessment, the likelihood of an early exit for either Belgium or the Netherlands is considered low. Their seeded positions will ensure they avoid facing the strongest teams during the group phase.Moreover, the 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, possibly lowering the overall competitive level of the group stage.
The expanded format also alters qualification criteria. Beyond the group winners and runners-up, the eight best third-placed teams from the twelve groups will also advance to the next round, effectively lowering the threshold for progression compared to previous tournaments.
(Source: humo)
(The article also notes that episode 17 of the second season of *Tijd voor Voetbal discusses other footballing topics, including RSC Anderlecht’s victory over Club Brugge, Daan Heymans’ performance at KRC Genk, and STVV’s potential for Champions play-Off qualification.)*
