Netherlands has never won FIFA's flagship competition but has been runner-up on three occasions, most recently in 2010, when it 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 Netherlands's group campaign beginning on 14 June. 

Japan is its first Group F opponent before it faces Sweden in Houston on 20 June, and Tunisia. 

"People may not see us ​as one of the favourites to win the World Cup," Koeman said. "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 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 said. "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 - Netherlands's 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," he 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."