Netherlands' World Cup exit prompts early return from Kansas City

The Netherlands national football team has departed its base camp in Kansas City, United States, and is heading back to the Netherlands after being eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The squad left the camp on a bus following the dramatic defeat to Morocco.

On Monday night Dutch time, the Netherlands faced Morocco in the round of 16, with Cody Gakpo scoring in the 72nd minute to give the Dutch a lead. Issa Diop equalised in injury time, and the match was decided by a penalty shootout that saw the Netherlands fall short.

Video footage shows the entire player group and technical staff boarding a bus from the Kansas City base camp toward the airport. The images capture the team’s departure shortly after the penalty loss.

Initially, head coach Ronald Koeman’s delegation was scheduled to land at Schiphol Airport at 01:30 the following night. That timetable was part of the original post‑match travel arrangement.

The new plan now targets a return to the Netherlands at approximately 22:50 on the same day. This earlier arrival shortens the stay in the United States by several hours.

The early homecoming will allow the Dutch side to begin regrouping and analysis back in the Netherlands ahead of upcoming commitments. No further details on future fixtures were provided.