Ex-Dutch international Van Nistelrooy has previous experience with the national squad as an assistant to past coaches Guus Hiddink and Danny Blind.

He served as interim coach at United for a brief spell in 2024 and was most recently in charge of Leicester City, which parted ways with him at the end of the 2024-2025 season after it was relegated from the Premier League.

In a statement, Nistelrooy said it was a "huge honour" to return to the Dutch team.

"The fact that this is happening on the stage of a World Cup makes it even more special," the 49-year-old, who will begin his role on 1 February, said.

"With my experience in various roles, including that of assistant, I know that this position is also a good fit for me. I look forward to fulfilling this role in a meaningful way and contributing to a successful tournament."

Netherlands is next in action in March, when it will face Norway and Ecuador in a pair of warm-up friendlies before the FIFA World Cup, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 12 June to 20 July (AEDT).

The 2010 FIFA World Cup finalist is in Group F along with Japan, Tunisia, and a European play-off winner. Its opening match is set for 15 June (AEDT) against Japan in Dallas.