The Netherlands host Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday in the opening round of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.
The Group A2 contest begins new eras for both countries. Xavi Hernandez takes charge of the Netherlands for the first time, while Jurgen Klopp makes his Germany debut after both teams suffered penalty-shootout exits in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
Serbia and Greece complete the section, so an early victory in Amsterdam would give either of the two favourites immediate control of the group.
Netherlands vs Germany: Key Stats
Germany are unbeaten in the last four meetings with the Netherlands, winning two and drawing two
Six of the last seven head-to-head encounters have seen both teams score
The Netherlands scored 10 goals across their three World Cup group matches
Germany also scored 10 times in the World Cup group stage
Both nations were eliminated on penalties in the World Cup round of 32
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
Xavi has promised a more proactive and intense Netherlands side, and a 4-3-3 should place Ryan Gravenberch at the base of midfield with Teun Koopmeiners and Tijjani Reijnders moving ahead of him. Denzel Dumfries can provide width from right-back while Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville attack from the flanks.
Brian Brobbey is expected to lead the line after scoring a Premier League hat-trick for Sunderland last weekend. Memphis Depay was not selected, while Frenkie de Jong, Jerdy Schouten, Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert are among the unavailable players.
Klopp is also expected to demand an aggressive press, with Joshua Kimmich returning to midfield alongside Felix Nmecha. Jamal Musiala should operate between the lines, while Karim Adeyemi and Kevin Schade supply the speed around Kai Havertz.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been confirmed as Germany's new first-choice goalkeeper and should start at the stadium where he plays his club football for Ajax. Klopp divided 44 players between two squads for this international window, but his experienced spine of Ter Stegen, Jonathan Tah, Kimmich, Musiala and Havertz is available in Amsterdam.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands (4-3-3)
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Koopmeiners, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo
Germany (4-2-3-1)
Ter Stegen; Vagnoman, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Kimmich, Nmecha; Adeyemi, Musiala, Schade; Havertz
Players to Watch
Cody Gakpo - Gakpo remains the Netherlands' most reliable wide scorer and arrives with six goal contributions in six Liverpool appearances this season. His ability to drive inside from the left will test Germany's inexperienced right-back options.
Brian Brobbey - Brobbey scored three goals in four World Cup matches and hit a Premier League hat-trick last weekend. His power and direct running can prevent Tah and Schlotterbeck from defending too high.
Jamal Musiala - Germany's principal creator should receive freedom behind Havertz. His close control and changes of direction can exploit the spaces that appear when the Netherlands push their full-backs forward.
Kai Havertz - Havertz scored four of Germany's 11 goals at the World Cup and offers the mobility Klopp demands from his centre-forward. His movement away from Van Dijk can create room for Adeyemi, Schade and Musiala to attack the penalty area.
Prediction
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @ 1.47
Both coaches have promised energetic, front-foot football, yet each has had only a handful of training sessions to install a new defensive structure. The Netherlands and Germany also scored in every one of their four World Cup matches, including their round-of-32 exits.
The rivalry has consistently produced chances at both ends, with six of the last seven meetings landing this selection. Germany's pace should trouble the Dutch high line, while home advantage and the form of Brobbey and Gakpo give the Netherlands enough attacking quality to respond. A 2-2 draw is the preferred scoreline.