When the Netherlands faces Japan on June 14 in Dallas, the orange army will roar through the “Wilhelmus” — and here’s a fact to drop at your watch party: it’s widely considered the oldest national anthem in the world. It even hides a secret in its lyrics.
| Anthem | Wilhelmus (Het Wilhelmus) |
| Dates From | c. 1572 |
| Subject | William of Orange |
| Officially Adopted | 1932 |
| Language | Dutch |
| Claim to Fame | Oldest national anthem in the world |
The Oldest Anthem in the World
The melody and words of the “Wilhelmus” date back to around 1572, during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule — centuries before most countries even had anthems. Curiously, despite being so old, it wasn’t made the official Dutch national anthem until 1932.
A Secret Hidden in the Lyrics
Here’s the party trick: the “Wilhelmus” is an acrostic. The first letters of its fifteen stanzas spell out “Willem van Nassov” (William of Nassau), the founding father of the Netherlands. The whole song is written from his first-person point of view.
What It Means
At football matches you’ll usually hear the first and sixth stanzas. The lyrics speak of loyalty, faith, and the struggle for freedom — William of Orange pledging to stand by his people. Full history is on Wikipedia.
More World Cup 2026 Anthems & Music
More World Cup 2026 national anthems: Mexico · USA · Canada · Brazil. See also our history of every World Cup anthem (1962–2026) and who sings the official World Cup 2026 song.
The Netherlands and the Sea of Orange
Few fanbases turn a stadium a single color quite like the Dutch. When the Oranje take the field — starting against Japan on June 14 in Dallas — the stands become a wall of orange, and the “Wilhelmus” rings out over the top of it.
The Netherlands are three-time World Cup runners-up (1974, 1978 and 2010), a nation that plays beautiful football and somehow keeps just missing the trophy. That history gives the anthem an extra layer of yearning every four years, and 2026 is another shot at finally getting over the line.
The melody itself is solemn and almost hymn-like, which is why the “Wilhelmus” sounds less like a battle cry and more like a vow. That fits its first-person story of William of Orange pledging loyalty to his people through hardship.
There’s also an ache to it for Dutch fans: the Netherlands have reached three World Cup finals (1974, 1978 and 2010) without ever lifting the trophy. Every tournament the anthem carries that “maybe this time” energy — and 2026 is another chance to finally change the ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Netherlands’ national anthem?
It’s the “Wilhelmus,” widely regarded as the oldest national anthem in the world, dating to around 1572.
Why is the Wilhelmus famous?
Besides being the world’s oldest anthem, its fifteen stanzas form an acrostic spelling ‘Willem van Nassov’ (William of Nassau).
When did it become official?
Although it dates from the 1570s, it was only officially adopted as the Dutch national anthem in 1932.
What is the Wilhelmus about?
It is written from the perspective of William of Orange and speaks of loyalty, faith and the fight for freedom.