Match Information

Sport: Football

Match: Netherlands vs Germany

Tournament: UEFA Nations League 2026/27 – League A, Group A2

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Kick-off: 8:45 PM CEST

Venue: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Netherlands host Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday as two new managerial eras begin with one of European football’s classic rivalries. Xavi Hernández makes his Oranje debut, while Jürgen Klopp takes charge of Germany for the first time following both nations’ disappointing Round-of-32 exits at the 2026 World Cup. New coaches. New ideas. Familiar rivals. And with Serbia and Greece completing Group A2, neither side will want their reset to begin with dropped points.

Form, Trends, Key Facts, Stats & Team News

Both nations enter the Nations League looking for a response. The Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco on penalties at the World Cup, while Germany suffered the same fate against Paraguay. Those early exits brought managerial changes and two fascinating appointments. Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman with the expectation of introducing a more possession-oriented approach built around control, technical quality and intensity without the ball. His first selection, however, is missing several major pieces.

Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons are both unavailable, depriving the Netherlands of two players ideally suited to controlling possession and creating through central areas. Matthijs de Ligt, Mats Wieffer, Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert are also absent, while Memphis Depay has been left out of the squad. That leaves Xavi needing to make immediate adjustments. Ryan Gravenberch and Joey Veerman could take on greater responsibility in midfield, while Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey should provide much of the attacking threat. At the back, Virgil van Dijk remains the experienced leader of a side going through considerable change around him.

One factor working strongly in the Netherlands’ favour is Amsterdam. The Oranje have suffered just one defeat at the Johan Cruijff ArenA since October 2023, giving Xavi an excellent platform for his first match.

Germany bring an encouraging trend of their own. They are unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Netherlands, winning two and drawing two, and have scored in 13 consecutive internationals.

Klopp will now try to add his trademark intensity. The former Liverpool coach inherits attacking talent well suited to aggressive pressing and quick transitions, with Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz among his most dangerous options. Joshua Kimmich provides experience and tactical intelligence, while Marc-André ter Stegen returns and is expected to reclaim the No. 1 position.

Not every established name is involved, with Leon Goretzka among those absent or being managed during the autumn window. Klopp has instead selected a mixture of experienced internationals and fresh options as he begins assessing the squad.

Tactically, that makes Thursday particularly difficult to predict. Neither coach has had much time to implement his ideas. Xavi will want possession. Klopp will want pressure.

If Germany press high while the Netherlands insist on playing through midfield, there should be opportunities for both teams whenever that first line is broken. That points towards a match with chances rather than caution. And for two coaches trying to establish a new identity, there could hardly be a more revealing first test.

Key Facts

• 🇳🇱🇩🇪 Netherlands and Germany renew one of European football’s classic international rivalries.

• 👔 Xavi Hernández and Jürgen Klopp both make their managerial debuts.

• 🌍 Both nations suffered Round-of-32 penalty shootout exits at the 2026 World Cup.

• 🏟️ The Netherlands have lost only once at the Johan Cruijff ArenA since October 2023.

• 🇩🇪 Germany are unbeaten in the last four H2H meetings with the Oranje.

• ⚽ Germany have scored in 13 consecutive internationals.

• 🚑 The Dutch are without De Jong, Simons, De Ligt, Wieffer, Malen and Kluivert.

• ⭐ Musiala and Havertz give Klopp high-quality attacking options.

• 🧤 Marc-André ter Stegen returns for Germany.

• 📊 Serbia and Greece complete Group A2, with the top two advancing to the Nations League quarter-finals.

Pro Tip Before You Start

There are plenty of unknowns surrounding two new coaching regimes, but their likely approaches point towards opportunities at both ends. Germany have scored in 13 straight internationals, while the Netherlands remain formidable in Amsterdam despite their absences. With Xavi looking to control possession and Klopp expected to introduce aggressive pressing, turnovers and transitions could create chances for both sides.

👉 Expert Tip: Both Teams To Score – Yes (1.41)

Alternative Markets

• Netherlands Double Chance (1.47)

• Over 2.5 Goals (1.46)

• Second Half – Most Goals (2.38)

Xavi wants to reshape the Oranje. Klopp wants to restart Germany. Their new eras begin against an old enemy.

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