The Netherlands will wrap up their 2026 World Cup preparations on Monday evening with a highly intriguing final warm-up clash against tournament debutants Uzbekistan.
Ronald Koeman’s side head into the encounter in need of a morale booster following a highly frustrating run of warm-up results. A disappointing 1-1 draw with Ecuador was followed by a toothless 1-0 defeat to Algeria on Wednesday, raising serious question marks over the Dutch side.
Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are riding the crest of a historic wave as they prepare for their first-ever appearance at a World Cup finals.
Now under the stewardship of Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro, the “White Wolves” saw an impressive six-match unbeaten streak ended by co-hosts Canada in a 2-0 defeat earlier this week.
The Dutch will face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F, while World Cup newcomers Uzbekistan are up against Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia in Group K.
Team news for Netherlands v Uzbekistan
Leading scorer Memphis Depay made the Dutch World Cup squad after fitness doubts and needs some minutes in his legs so should play, while Arsenal full-back Jurrien Timber is also working his way back to full health.
Denzel Dumfries should come back into the side as he prepares to seal a move to Real Madrid.
Uzbekistan will have Manchester City man Abdukodir Khusanov at the heart of defence.
Predicted line-ups for Netherlands v Uzbekistan
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Ake; De Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Summerville, Depay, Gakpo
Uzbekistan: Yusupov; Sayfiev, Abdullaev, Khusanov, Ashurmatov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullaev, Hamrobekov, Shukurov, Uronov; Shomurodov
Where to watch Netherlands v Uzbekistan: TV and online streams
The match is not currently scheduled to be available to watch in the UK.
Prediction for Netherlands v Uzbekistan
This will not be an easy test for the Dutch but they should find their fitness and form enough to come through and take a win.
Netherlands 2-0 Uzbekistan
