THE first ten days of the 2026 World Cup have absolute kings. And not just in a figurative sense. The royal family of the Netherlands has signed a real sports marathonfollowing two matches in a few hours on June 20th. Maxima of Holland, together with King Willem-Alexander and Princess Arianeshowed a spontaneous and informal attitude by finding himself at cheer for the Netherlands firstthen for the small reality of Curacaoa Caribbean nation that is part of the Oranje kingdom.
Maxima of Holland, the long weekend as a fan at the 2026 World Cup
The trip began in Houston, where the sovereigns have supported the Netherlands in the clear 5-1 victory against Sweden, sporting the classic standard orange. A true celebration for king, queen and princess, that were seen cheering with great enthusiasm and dancing in the stands. Immediately after the final whistle, the family moved to Kansas City for a challenge with a strong geopolitical and emotional value: the match between Curaçao and Ecuador. Since the small Caribbean island is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the royals formally represent its heads of state.
Maxima of Holland with King Willem-Alexander and daughter Ariane at the Netherlands match. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
For the occasion, Maxima of the Netherlands made a quick style change, replacing the orange details with light blue scarves and shirts in honor of Curaçao. A double bond commented enthusiastically by King Willem-Alexander: «It’s a special World Cup for us, we have twice as many teams to root for and we hope they go very far».
The feat of Curaçao: the Dutch royals dance in the dressing room
On the field in Kansas City, the team of Curaçao has accomplished a real feat. The Blue Wave resisted Ecuador’s attacks and won, thanks to one historic 0-0 and to the fifteen saves of the goalkeeper Eloy Room, the first point ever in its history at the football World Cup.
Dutch royals cheer on Curaçao during the match against Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images)
However, the real surprise occurred post-match, when the royal family visited the athletes directly in the locker rooms. Maxima of Holland, born in Argentina and known for her sunny temperament, wore a blue uniform personalized with her name and joined the celebrations, dancing together with the players to the notes of Caribbean music. A moment of rare ease confirmed by the goalkeeper Eloy Room himself: «They were very happy, we even danced together».
Royals and fans: the 2026 World Cup erases royal borders
A weekend of football and sharing that he offered the image of a modern monarchycapable of empathically connecting with profoundly different realities within his own Kingdom. Admiration for the royals’ approach was also expressed by Curaçao’s technical commissioner, the 78-year-old Dutchman Dick Advocaat: «Seeing how the king, his wife and daughter integrate into our group evokes a lot of respect. They smile, they dance, they don’t hold back from anything and they exude pure joy.”
Among the supporters on the web the presence of the queen has now been elected as an icon of this tournament. THEn waiting to see William of England, Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and Felipe and Letizia of Spain cheering, the Dutch royal family has been voted the most glamorous lucky charm of the 2026 World Cup.
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