The Netherlands women’s national water polo team have wrapped up their final home preparations for the European Championships with two high-level friendly matches against the United States women’s national water polo team, while the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation has confirmed the 15-player TeamNL roster for the tournament in Funchal.
Two demanding tests against world champions
The opening friendly was played in front of a sold-out crowd at De Peppel. Following a cautious start, the USA edged ahead early, leading 1–3 after the first period. The Americans then took control either side of halftime, moving 1–6 clear. A spirited Dutch response after the break briefly narrowed the gap, but the USA finished strongly to claim a 12–6 win.
Two days later, another full house at Zwemcentrum Rotterdam witnessed a promising Dutch start. After falling behind 0–1, the Netherlands surged into a 5–2 lead by halftime. The momentum shifted in the third period, however, as the USA produced a decisive scoring run and went on to secure a 16–9 victory.
For the Netherlands, Bente Rogge and Simone van de Kraats led the scoring, while Ava Stryker stood out for the visitors.
The Rotterdam match marked the end of TeamNL’s home-based build-up before the championship.
Team news: Squad confirmed for European Championships
The KNZB has named the Netherlands squad for the 2026 European Championships (January 26 – February 5). Led by national coach Evangelos Doudesis, the Dutch arrive as reigning European champions (Eindhoven 2024).
TeamNL women’s selection (15):
Laura Aarts, Christina Hicks, Simone van de Kraats, Maxine Schaap, Maartje Keuning, Fleurien Bosveld, Bente Rogge, Noa de Vries, Kitty Lynn Joustra, Lieke Rogge, Lola Moolhuijzen, Nina ten Broek, Britt van den Dobbelsteen, Pien Gorter, Linde Haksteen.
Staff:
Evangelos Doudesis (national coach), Richard van Eck (assistant coach), Ineke Yperlaan (team manager), Robert van Berkel (goalkeeping coach), Chris Hendrix (video analyst), Niels Hagen (physiotherapist).
Doudesis said: “A selection moment is always special. We have a squad with experience, quality and renewed energy. Our ambition is to improve every day and go as far as possible.”
Absentees and captaincy
Vivian Sevenich and Marit van der Weijden continue their recovery from surgery, while long-time captain Sabrina van der Sloot will miss the tournament following the announcement of her pregnancy. Maartje Keuning takes over the captaincy for Funchal.
Draw, schedule and format
Group D: Netherlands, Switzerland, Great Britain, Israel
TeamNL group matches:
- Jan 26, 18:45 – Netherlands vs Great Britain
- Jan 27, 09:00 – Netherlands vs Switzerland
- Jan 29, 10:30 – Netherlands vs Israel
The 2026 Women’s European Championship introduces a two-stage group format. Results from the first stage carry over into the second, before semifinals decide the medals.
With two intense tests against the USA completed, TeamNL now heads to a training camp in Italy (January 19–23) before travelling to Madeira, where attention turns fully to defending the European title.
European Championships 2026 Homepage
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