Sacked Slot tipped for Netherlands job as Koeman's World Cup contract nears its end

Arne Slot is being linked with the Netherlands head coach role after the 2026 World Cup, with ITV commentator Jon Champion drawing pointed attention to the Dutchman’s availability during the Netherlands’ opening group-stage match against Japan.

Ronald Koeman’s contract with the Oranje is set to expire at the conclusion of their World Cup campaign, leaving the Dutch football federation facing a potential vacancy. As the Netherlands took on Japan, Champion remarked that “there is a very high-profile Dutch coach currently out of work, of course” — a barely concealed nod to Slot, who was sacked by Liverpool just a week after the Premier League season ended.

Slot, 46, won the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield before being replaced by Andoni Iraola. Since his dismissal, he has been linked with AC Milan, Fulham, and Ajax — the club he once faced as a rival during his time managing Feyenoord.

The prospect of a Slot-led Netherlands side carries an obvious appeal given the number of his former Liverpool players currently starring for the Oranje. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring against Japan, powering home a header from a Ryan Gravenberch cross — both players, along with Cody Gakpo, are automatic starters for club and country and flourished under Slot at Anfield.

Van Dijk confirmed ahead of the tournament that he had spoken with Slot following the sacking. “I spoke to Arne personally, that is the most important thing,” the centre-back said. “Exactly what we discussed remains between us. For now, my focus is entirely on the World Cup.”

Whether Slot opts for a return to club management or takes his first step into international football remains to be seen, but the combination of his sudden availability and Koeman’s impending departure has placed him firmly in the frame.