Both teams are warming up for the upcoming World Cup finals with an international friendly match. After topping their qualifying groups to avoid playoffs, they now face off at Johan Cruijff Arena as the countdown begins.
The Netherlands all but sealed their 2026 World Cup spot with a draw against Poland in their first November fixture, followed by a 4-0 victory over Lithuania. This placed them in a group with Japan, Tunisia, and a European playoff winner. Coach Ronald Koeman has set ambitious goals, stating that reaching the semi-finals is a minimum and expressing belief that the Oranje can win it all.
Confidence is high after an unbeaten qualifying campaign, averaging over three goals per game and conceding just four. Excluding a penalty-shootout loss to Spain in the UEFA Nations League, Koeman’s side has gone over a year without defeat, unbeaten at home since October 2023. Before hosting Ecuador in Eindhoven, they aim to extend that streak against Norway in Amsterdam.
Norway meets the Netherlands for the first time since a 2021 World Cup qualifier loss. The Nordic side has transformed, ending a 28-year World Cup wait by dominating Group I with eight wins and 37 goals, including 16 from Erling Haaland. A draw with New Zealand in October ended a nine-win streak that featured an 11-1 win over Moldova and 5-0 against Israel. Now qualified for their first World Cup in a generation, Stale Solbakken’s team tests itself against FIFA’s seventh-ranked side before facing 18th-ranked Switzerland.
Netherlands vs Norway International Clash
Netherlands Form (All Competitions)
D W W W D W
Norway Form (All Competitions)
W W W D W W
Netherlands Team News
Memphis Depay has withdrawn due to a thigh injury after being confirmed as the first-choice striker. Crysencio Summerville was set for his debut but pulled out, joining Robin Roefs, Matthijs de Ligt, Jurrien Timber, Noa Lang, and Frenkie de Jong on the unavailable list. Jan Paul van Hecke returns after suspension, and AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit earns his first senior call-up, compared by Koeman to Pedri. Brian Brobbey, Wout Weghorst, and Donyell Malen will compete to lead the attack.
Norway Team News
Erling Haaland, who matched Robert Lewandowski’s 16-goal UEFA qualifying record, will be rested. Jorgen Strand Larsen could partner Alexander Sorloth, with Oscar Bobb, Antonio Nusa, or Jens Petter Hauge supporting from the flanks after his Champions League form. Captain Martin Odegaard remains injured, and Thelo Aasgaard, who scored a 15-minute hat-trick against Moldova, is omitted.
Netherlands Possible Starting Lineup
| Possible Starting Lineup |
|---|
| Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Ake; Gravenberch, Schouten; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen |
Norway Possible Starting Lineup
| Possible Starting Lineup |
|---|
| Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Hauge; Strand Larsen, Sorloth |
Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Norway
Neither side wants to lose momentum near the World Cup, with competition for places adding intensity. The Netherlands are hard to beat at home, while Norway appears unbeatable everywhere, pointing to an entertaining score draw. For the latest updates on Resultados Futbol Hoy and more match insights, visit Resultados Futbol Hoy.