Ronald Koeman believes his Netherlands team have the quality to go the distance at this summer's World Cup and beat any nation standing in their way. 

The Netherlands have never won FIFA's flagship competition but have been runners-up on three occasions, most recently in 2010, when they lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time. 

Koeman is yet to announce his squad for the tournament, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with their group campaign beginning on June 14. 

Japan are their first Group F opponents before they face Sweden in Houston on June 20, and they finish the first phase of the tournament in Kansas City against Tunisia. 

The Opta supercomputer believes Euro 2024 winners Spain (16%) are the most likely victors this year, with France (13%), England (11%) and Argentina (10%) also fancied.

But in its pre-tournament simulations, the Netherlands are assigned just a 4% chance of a first world title, though Koeman was slightly more optimistic of success. 

"People may not see us ​as one of the favourites to win the World Cup," Koeman told FIFA.

"But the strength of the Netherlands is that we can beat anyone because the ability ​is there in our squad."

Koeman returned for a second stint with the Netherlands in 2023, replacing Louis van Gaal, who took the team to the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition in Qatar. 

The Dutch are already without three first-team players for their squad, with Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten, and Xavi Simons all missing with respective injury issues. 

"I think this team is on track," Koeman added. "What I'd like people ​to say about ​my team ⁠is that they play with a lot of intensity that they can't say we didn't do ​enough.

"I want them to play with confidence, ​with ⁠personality, understanding what their qualities are.

"And to always respect every opponent despite the fact there may be so-called smaller nations at the ⁠World ​Cup.

"They are all matches in their ​own right, and you must ensure you're not caught off-guard by a smaller ​nation."

Koeman is, however, hopeful that Memphis Depay, who is the Netherlands' all-time top scorer, will be fit for selection after sustaining a thigh injury with Corinthians.

But the 63-year-old was less positive about Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined for the Gunners with a groin issue since the middle of March. 

"Jurrien has been dealing with this for quite ​some time. It has been a rollercoaster ride," the Netherlands boss said.

"He is training again to see ​if he can make the Champions League final, and be available ​for the World Cup, but it does not look rosy at the moment."