Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Netherlands-Norway, likely lineups

Holland and Norway take on each other in one of the pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: kickoff in Amsterdam at 8:45 pm. Both selections finished undefeated in their respective groups: the Oranje dominated Group G, putting Poland, Finland, Malta and Lithuania behind them; the Scandinavians surprisingly laid down the law in Group I, winning all their matches and netting seven goals against Italy in the first leg and return.

The Netherlands, which has lost three World Cup finals in its history, lines up an impressive attack with Xavi Simons, Gakpo, Malen and Reijnders. On the flanks will be Dumfries and Ake, while the two middies in front of the defense are Gravenberch and Schouten.

Important test for Norway, which aspires to become one of the outsiders capable of aiming for the world title. On the eve of the match, coach Solbakken explained that Haaland will start initially from the bench, to rest him after his league exertions. In attack, Sorloth and Strand-Larsen could play from 1′, while Hauge and Bobb will act on the flanks. The injured Odegaard will be missing.

Holland-Norway, the likely lineups
Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Ake; Gravenberch, Schouten; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen
Norway (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Hauge; Strand Larsen, Sorloth