Bouma was a member of the Dutch squad at the 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship. As of July 2008, Wilfred Bouma has played for the Netherlands 35 times, scoring twice. Bouma made his debut on 2 September 2000, in the 2–2 draw with the Republic of Ireland. Several steady appearances followed in the coming years, including 4 appearances at UEFA Euro 2004, whilst playing as a centre-back.