The Netherlands host Finland at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday in a World Cup qualifier that could significantly enhance the Oranje’s path to the 2026 finals.
Ronald Koeman’s men seek to consolidate their position at the summit while Jakob Friis’s Finland desperately need points to keep their fading World Cup dreams alive.
Netherlands vs Finland – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: 12th October, Sunday.
- Kick-off: 5pm BST.
- Venue: Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam.
Netherlands Team News
The Netherlands will aim to extend their three-point lead at the top of Group G. Memphis Depay is expected to return to the starting eleven after arriving late to camp due to passport issues. He made an impact off the bench against Malta with a stoppage-time goal. Ronald Koeman has confirmed the Corinthians striker will be available despite missing the team’s early preparations.
Teun Koopmeiners has been called up to replace the injured Quinten Timber, who suffered a foot problem while playing for Feyenoord. Liverpool trio Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch are all available. Gakpo comes into the contest off an impressive display against Malta, where he scored two penalties and provided an assist.
Finland Team News
Since the start of his tenure in January, Jakob Friis has guided Finland through a series of up-and-down results, tallying three wins, three losses, and a single draw under his leadership. Among these outings, a 2-1 victory at home over Poland remains the team’s only particularly impressive showing. Even their away win against Malta proved to be a tough contest for the “Owls,” as they had to battle hard for a narrow 1-0 scoreline.
In the latest round of matches, Finland managed a close-fought home win by coming from behind to edge Lithuania 2-1. Hannover’s Benjamin Källman deserves special praise for scoring in three successive competitive fixtures for his country, with his latest strike providing the catalyst for Finland’s comeback.
However, Finland enters the next match hit by absences. Both Glen Kamara and Lukas Hradecky were left out of the squad due to injury, and setbacks have continued—Adam Marhiev, who netted the decisive goal against Lithuania, has been forced to head back to Nuremberg for treatment.
Meanwhile, central defender Robert Ivanov will be unavailable as he serves a suspension for picking up too many yellow cards.
Form
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman’s side demonstrated their quality with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Malta in their last outing, with Cody Gakpo starring with two penalties and an assist for Tijjani Reijnders.
The performance helped erase memories of a tense previous window where they were held to a draw by Poland and nearly squandered a two-goal lead against Lithuania. The Oranje currently sit unbeaten in their qualification campaign and boast an impressive goal difference of +15 from five matches.
Finland
Jakob Friis’ Finland secured a crucial 2-1 comeback victory over Lithuania in their last qualifier, with Benjamin Källman and Adam Markhiev scoring second-half goals to overturn Pijus Sirvys’ early opener.
However, this positive result followed a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Poland, which significantly damaged their qualification hopes.
The Huuhkajat have struggled for consistency. Defensively, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches, highlighting the defensive concerns that have plagued their campaign.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Koopneiners, Reijnders; Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo.
Finland: Joronen; Alho, Tenho, Koski, Uronen; Lod, Kairinen, Markhiyev; Kallman, Pohjanpalo, Antman.
How to Watch Netherlands vs Finland?
Fans in the UK can watch the Netherlands vs Finland live on Amazon Prime Video’s pay-per-view service.
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