Nations League: Netherlands VS Germany - Prediction

The Netherlands and Germany will renew one of European football’s great rivalries when they meet at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday in their opening match of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. The biggest talking point ahead of this match is not simply the rivalry. Both countries will begin a new era under new managers, with Xavi Hernandez taking charge of the Netherlands and Jurgen Klopp leading Germany for the first time.

Xavi begins a new chapter with the Netherlands

The Netherlands appointed former Barcelona manager Xavi after the 2026 World Cup, and his first competitive test could hardly be much bigger. Xavi has already made it clear what he wants from his new team. The Spaniard wants the Netherlands to play with more intensity, take the initiative and control games rather than simply react to their opponents. That approach could suit a Dutch squad containing several technically gifted midfielders and attacking players.

Virgil van Dijk will continue as captain after discussing his international future with the new coach. The experienced defender remains an important figure as Xavi begins changing the team around him. However, there has already been one major selection decision, with Netherlands record goalscorer Memphis Depay left out of Xavi's first squad.

There are also opportunities for some new faces. Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël are among the players hoping to earn their first senior international caps. Meanwhile, Brian Brobbey arrives in excellent goalscoring form after hitting a hat-trick for Sunderland against Manchester City.

Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders are other players who could have important roles. Xavi therefore has a mixture of experienced internationals and younger players to work with as he begins building toward Euro 2028.

Klopp takes charge of Germany

There will be just as much attention on the opposite dugout. Jurgen Klopp will manage Germany for the first time after taking over in July. The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager is one of the most recognisable German coaches of his generation, and expectations will naturally be high as Germany attempt to rebuild following another disappointing World Cup campaign.

Klopp has already taken an unusual approach to his opening international window. He selected two different squads, involving 44 players in total, for Germany's first four Nations League matches. The idea gives him the opportunity to assess a large number of players while also reducing the workload on individual members of the squad during a busy period of the club season.

Some of Germany's biggest names will still be involved in Amsterdam. Jamal Musiala and captain Joshua Kimmich are part of the group selected for the opening matches against the Netherlands and Greece. Musiala could be particularly important. His ability to carry the ball through midfield, find space between the lines and create chances could test the Dutch defence. The battle between Germany's attacking players and a Netherlands back line led by Van Dijk could be one of the most interesting areas of the game.

A rivalry with little separating the teams

Recent history suggests this could be another close contest. The two countries also shared a group in the previous Nations League. Their first meeting in Amsterdam ended 2-2 before Germany earned a 1-0 victory in Munich. In fact, Germany are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the sides, recording two wins and two draws.

Their rivalry, however, goes back much further. One of the most famous meetings came in the semi-final of Euro 1988. The Netherlands defeated West Germany 2-1 after Marco van Basten scored an 88th-minute winner, before the Dutch went on to win their first European Championship. That history adds another layer to Thursday's meeting, even if both teams are now focused on building something new.

Possible Lineup for Netherlands:

Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Koopmeiners, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo

Possible Lineup for Germany:

Ter Stegen; Treu, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Kimmich, Nmecha; Karl, Musiala, Schade; Havertz

Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Germany

Netherlands and Germany look evenly matched heading into this Nations League clash, and a high-scoring draw could be on the cards. The Netherlands will have home advantage and should create opportunities through players such as Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey. However, Germany have plenty of attacking quality of their own, with Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz capable of causing problems for the Dutch defence. With Xavi and Jürgen Klopp both taking charge of their first competitive matches, the two teams may need time to adjust to their new systems.

Betfair Odds

Netherlands: 2.30

Draw: 3.55

Germany: 2.80

Visit BFB247 to get real-time Betfair Odds and an exclusive 2.5% commission on winning bets!