Several stars will be missing for an attractive match.
Ronald Koeman will field a much-changed Dutch team when it faces Norway in the first of two friendlies before naming his World Cup squad. World Cup 2026.
The Oranje will host Norway in Amsterdam on Friday before facing Ecuador next Tuesday, and the games will serve as an audition for those hoping to be included in the traveling group for the 48-team tournament in North America.
And, with several players absent through injury, the chances of impressing will increase.
Netherlands’ record goalscorer Memphis Depay is not in the squad due to a thigh injury, which Koeman acknowledged is a concern.
“That he is injured now is not positive,” said Koeman about the Corinthians forward. “That worries me a little more than other players. I think he should be in top shape.” [for the World Cup].”
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is ready to make his debut after being included in the squad. Smit is expected to attract significant interest from Premier League and European clubs this summer.
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has earned a squad call-up, while teammate Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up to replace the injured Jurrien Timber.
“I want to see the boys. Then I can make the final decision,” Koeman added.
“Some players are a little tired. We certainly take that into account. I will change more than before, especially between the two games.”
Meanwhile, Norway will be without Erling Haaland, and Stale Solbakken will opt to rest the Manchester City star.
“We took into account the total stress that Erling has been under for a long, long time and have come to the conclusion that the best solution for all parties is for him to take a necessary break now,” Solbakken said.
“It’s a special treatment. Precisely because of what Erling has been through both on and off the field. There is a lot of pressure on him and for me it is, by far, the most important thing he can contribute at the World Cup in June.”
Haaland’s absence may boost the Oranje’s confidence in a home victory. However, with Norway winning all eight of their matches en route to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, they are a team to take very seriously.
And, with Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth and Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen still among their attacking options, they should still pose a considerable attacking threat.
It will be a special occasion for Donyell Malen, who will play his 50th game for the Netherlands.
“I come from a small town in the north and to now have 50 internationals is very nice,” Malen said.
“I still have many photos from the past with the Dutch national team shirts, it is very special. It is a very beautiful trip, in which I have experienced many things. Two finals of the tournament, I can name many things that I have good memories of.
“My first European Championship was very special and my debut match is something I will never forget.”
Team news for Netherlands v Norway
As well as Depay and Timber, Crysencio Summerville also withdrew from the squad as an injury robbed him of his chance to make his debut, while Robin Roefs, Matthijs de Ligt, Noa Lang and Frenkie de Jong were also left out.
While Haaland rests, Norway is still without Arsenal midfielder and captain Martin Odegaard due to injury.
Planned lineups for Netherlands-Norway
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Ake; Gravenberch, Schouten; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen.
Norway: Nylandia; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Hauge; Larsen Beach, Sorloth.
Where to watch Netherlands v Norway: TV and online streams
Netherlands v Norway kicks off at 7:45pm UK time. It will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for a pay-per-view price of £2.49.
Statistics for Netherlands v Norway
- The Netherlands and Norway have met 22 times, with the Oranje winning 10 times (L7, D5).
- Norway has not beaten the Netherlands since winning 2-1 in qualifying for the 1994 World Cup in 1992.
- Stale Solbakken’s team scored an incredible 37 goals in World Cup qualifying, 16 of them scored by Haaland.
- Norway’s last defeat came in a 5-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Austria in October 2024. They are unbeaten in 12 matches since then, with their only mistake being a 1-1 draw in a friendly against New Zealand.
- The Netherlands are also undefeated in normal time since October 2024, a Nations League loss to Germany. They lost on penalties to Spain in the quarterfinals of that competition.
Prediction for Netherlands vs Norway
Expect goals in a match between two teams that seem evenly matched. An entertaining draw seems a likely outcome.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Norway
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