This is the last test game for Netherlands before WC 2026 kicks off, so I expect them to be motivated and earn a morale-boosting victory against underdog Uzbekistan.
Key Stats
- Netherlands have won 5 of their last 8 matches.
- Uzbekistan have failed to score in their last 2 matches.
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head match between Netherlands and Uzbekistan.
Oranje Coming Off Surprising Defeat to Algeria
Netherlands had a great run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, advancing as Group G winners with six wins and two draws ahead of Poland, Finland, Malta and Lithuania, but their results have been inconsistent since.
Oranje started the year with a 2-1 win over Norway in late March friendly, followed by a 1-1 draw against Ecuador a couple of days later.
Earlier this week, they hosted Algeria in Rotterdam, posted 2.19 expected goals and fired 17 shots but still suffered a surprising 1-0 loss. Donyell Malen missed two, Cody Gakpo one huge chance to score.
Uzbeks About to Make Historic Appearance at the World Cup 2026
Uzbekistan historically qualified for the first time for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing 2nd in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers, claiming six wins, three draws and losing one match.
In late March, they participated at the FIFA Series Tournament, beating Gabon 3-1 in front of the home crowd, then defeated Venezuela on penalties (0-0) in regular time to finish 1st in this event.
Earlier this week, the White Wolves locked horns against one of the WC 2026 co-hosts Canada and suffered a 2-0 defeat, ending the match with 0.99-0.83 xG and 2-4 shots on target.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Netherlands (4-3-3) Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake; Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders; Crysencio Summerville, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo
Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons are injured for Oranje, but they welcome back full-back Denzel Dumfries to the starting lineup
Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons are injured for Oranje, but they welcome back full-back Denzel Dumfries to the starting lineup
Uzbekistan (5-4-1) Utkir Yusupov; Farrukh Sayfiev, Abdulla Abdullaev, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Sherzod Nasrullaev; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Oston Uronov; Eldor Shomurodov
Eldor Shomurodov is currently at 91 appearances for the national team, scoring 44 goals.