Netherlands vs Norway – News and Probable Lineups

Both teams are gearing up for this summer’s World Cup finals, as the Netherlands and Norway prepare to face each other in an international friendly on Friday.

Having topped their respective qualifying groups to bypass the European playoffs, they are now set to meet at Johan Cruijff Arena.

Match overview

After securing a draw against Poland in their first fixture of November, the Netherlands nearly confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup, and they followed up with a 4-0 victory over Lithuania.

This draw set them up against Japan, Tunisia, and a European playoff winner in the group stage, yet ambitious head coach Ronald Koeman is looking even further forward.

Koeman recently mentioned that reaching the semi-finals is the minimum expectation, while expressing his belief that the Oranje can achieve ultimate success.

There are solid reasons for optimism, as they navigated the qualifiers unbeaten, averaging over three goals per match and conceding only four goals.

Aside from a penalty shootout loss to Spain in the UEFA Nations League, Koeman’s squad has not experienced defeat in over a year, with their last home loss dating back to October 2023.

Before they welcome Ecuador in Eindhoven, they are focused on maintaining their unbeaten run against a challenging Norway side in Amsterdam.

Soon to face the Netherlands for the first time since their loss in the Qatar ’22 qualifiers back in 2021, Norway has significantly evolved since that match.

Now featuring a roster of several proven stars, the Nordic nation emphatically concluded a 28-year drought for World Cup qualification by dominating Group I last autumn.

Highlighting their campaign were two remarkable wins over Italy, as Norway won all eight matches while scoring a total of 37 goals, with 16 of them credited to the unstoppable Erling Haaland.

Only a friendly draw against New Zealand in October interrupted the Landslaget’s impressive streak of nine consecutive victories, which included an extraordinary 11-1 triumph over Moldova and a 5-0 victory against Israel.

With their nation’s first World Cup appearance in a generation now secured, Stale Solbakken’s side will assess their abilities against the seventh-ranked team by FIFA, before they host the 18th-ranked Switzerland next Tuesday.

Netherlands form (all competitions):

D W W W D W

Norway form (all competitions):

W W W D W W

Team News

After being named by Koeman as his preferred striker, Memphis Depay has had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to a thigh injury.

While the Corinthians forward boasts 108 caps, West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville was expected to make his debut before also dropping out; Robin Roefs, Matthijs de Ligt, Jurrien Timber, Noa Lang, and Frenkie de Jong are likewise unavailable.

However, Jan Paul van Hecke returns from suspension served against Lithuania, and AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has received his first senior call-up, with Koeman comparing him favorably to Spanish talent Pedri.

With Memphis unavailable, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey and Ajax’s Wout Weghorst will vie for a place in the starting XI, alongside Roma loanee Donyell Malen.

Naturally, Haaland is expected to lead Norway’s strong attack, having equaled Robert Lewandowski’s all-time record of 16 goals in UEFA qualifying. However, Solbakken has confirmed that the Manchester City star will be rested.

Thus, Jorgen Strand Larsen could pair with Alexander Sorloth, potentially supported on the wings by Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa, although Bodo/Glimt winger Jens Petter Hauge is back in contention following impressive performances in the Champions League.

The visitors continue to miss captain Martin Odegaard due to injury, while Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard—who scored a hat-trick in just 15 minutes against Moldova last September—has been omitted from the squad.

Netherlands probable starting XI:

Bridge; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Ake; Gravenberch, Schouten; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Grind

Norway probable starting XI:

Newland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Hauge; Strand Larsen, Sorloth

Both teams will be keen to maintain their momentum leading up to the World Cup, as competition for spots further adds to the intensity of this friendly.

While the Netherlands are tough to beat on their home ground, Norway appears formidable anywhere, making a high-scoring draw a likely outcome.