Overview
The Dutch team continues to nurture the dream of conquering their first major title after many years of missing out when entering the 2026 World Cup journey. After reaching the EURO 2024 semi-finals, stopping in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and UEFA Nations League 2024-2025, Ronald Koeman's team is aiming for a new campaign with many expectations.
Before entering Group F with Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, Oranje will have two important friendly matches against Algeria and Uzbekistan. This is not only an opportunity for Koeman to improve the squad but also an opportunity for reserve players to score points in the competition for a starting spot.
The Netherlands is in stable form with a 10-match unbeaten streak. In the qualifiers, they won 6 and drew 2 to overcome Poland to win the top spot in the group. In the March gathering, Oranje defeated Norway 2-1 before drawing Ecuador 1-1 despite having to play with one less player early after Denzel Dumfries' red card.
Playing at De Kuip home ground, which is always a solid support, the Netherlands aims to extend their positive streak and affirm their position as a potential candidate at the 2026 World Cup.
On the other side, Algeria is also preparing promisingly for their first return to the World Cup since 2014. They top Group G of the African regional qualifiers with a record of only conceding one defeat in 10 matches, and also secured an early ticket in one round.
Despite being disappointed when stopping in the quarter-finals of the African Cup, Vladimir Petkovic's team still showed positive signs. They beat Guatemala 7-0 and drew Uruguay 0-0 in the last two friendly matches, and kept a clean sheet in 5/7 recent matches.
The clash in Rotterdam is therefore expected to be a quality test for both teams before entering the biggest football festival on the planet.
Personnel situation
Ronald Koeman has postponed the announcement of the 2026 World Cup roster by two days to wait for an assessment of the fitness of Memphis Depay and Jurrien Timber. Finally, both recovered in time and appeared in the list of 26 Dutch players.
Notably, winger Crysencio Summerville returned to the national team after a long absence due to injury. Meanwhile, captain Marten de Roon was called up to replace Jerdy Schouten, who had to be sidelined due to a anterior cruciate ligament injury.
In the opposite direction, some notable names are not present in the final squad of Oranje. Wout Weghorst was chosen in attack to replace Zian Flemming, while Jeremie Frimpong, Stefan de Vrij, Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons were not registered.
On Algeria's side, midfielder Nabil Bentaleb marked his return after missing the African Cup due to health problems. However, the absence of Ismael Bennacer is a significant loss for the North African team.
In attack, Amine Gouiri continues to receive trust after his impressive performances recently. The Marseille striker once contributed to 3 goals in the 7-0 victory over Guatemala in March.
In goal, Luca Zidane is still named even though he has not fully recovered from facial injuries, while captain Riyad Mahrez continues to be Algeria's biggest hope before the 2026 World Cup.
Expected lineup:
Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, De Jong, Gravenberch, Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo, Brobbey.
Mastil, Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri, Aouar, Zerrouki, Mahrez, Maza, Chaibi, Gouiri.
The match between the Netherlands and Algeria takes place at 1:45 am on June 4 (Vietnam time).
