 Schaars was included in the preliminary squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.On 27 May 2010, Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk announced that the player would be part of the final squad of 23 participating in the competition.Following frequent call ups to the Dutch side's qualification campaign to participate at UEFA Euro 2012, he was selected by manager by Van Marwijk to participate in the tournament finals.