A very Dutch cultural experience: watching the World Cup in orange

Why everything turns orange

The Dutch national team is often nicknamed Oranje because orange is the national colour associated with the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. During big football tournaments, many Dutch people wear orange shirts, hats, face paint, scarves or funny accessories. Streets, cafés, schools and even supermarkets may suddenly feel a little more orange than usual.

For au pairs, this is a very easy cultural moment to join. You do not need to understand every football rule. Wearing something orange, watching a match together or cheering when the Netherlands scores is already enough to feel part of it.

Typical Dutch World Cup customs

On match days, Dutch people often gather around the television with family, neighbours or friends. Some watch at home, some go to cafés, and some meet in places with big screens. The mood is usually cheerful, loud and very orange.

• Wearing orange: even people who do not normally watch football often wear orange during important matches.
• Watching together: families, neighbours and friends often watch matches at home, in cafés or at public viewing events.
• Snacks on the table: expect crisps, bitterballen, cheese cubes, borrelnootjes or orange-coloured treats.
• Decorating windows and streets: some streets decorate with flags, bunting or orange decorations, especially when the Dutch team does well.
• Singing along: you may hear classic Dutch football songs such as Hup Holland Hup before or after a match.

Learn the song: Hup Holland Hup

If you want to understand Dutch football atmosphere, listen to Hup Holland Hup once before a match. It is one of the classic songs people associate with cheering for Oranje.

Where to watch the Dutch games in The Hague

Always check the venue website or social media before you go, because reservations, age limits, match schedules and entry rules can change. These are good places to start if you want to watch the Dutch team with other people in The Hague.

Where to buy orange accessories

You do not need a full outfit. A simple orange T-shirt, scarf, hat, sunglasses, face paint or flag is enough. These shops are useful starting points for finding orange accessories.

How au pairs can join in

Ask your host family whether they are planning to watch the match. Some families love watching together, while others may prefer a quiet evening. If the children are old enough, it can also be a fun activity to make orange flags, draw football shirts or prepare a small orange snack plate before the game.

If you go to a café or public viewing, agree practical details in advance: who you are going with, how you will get home, and what time you expect to be back. Big football nights can be lively, so it is always smart to plan your transport before the match starts.

The Netherlands group stage games

Add the Dutch group stage games to your calendar so you know when the orange fun begins.

A small activity idea with children

Make a simple “Hup Holland!” craft afternoon. Let the children colour orange flags, draw footballs, decorate paper crowns or make a match countdown. It is an easy way to connect culture, creativity and family life without needing a complicated plan.