De Kuip go host Group G heavyweight clash on Thursday night as Netherlands face Poland for Rotterdam inside 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Both teams don already collect six points, but Oranje get game in hand while Poland dey under new management with coach Jan Urban.
Match Preview
Netherlands show no mercy against Malta for their second qualifier – na 8-0 demolition wey happen for June 10 inside Groningen. Six different players score: Memphis Depay and Donyell Malen bag braces, while Micky van de Ven, Xavi Simons, Virgil van Dijk and Noa Lang all add goals.
Before that, Ronald Koeman men secure professional 2-0 win away to Finland, meaning dem don start qualifiers with two wins, 10 goals scored and none conceded. Oranje dey sit one point behind leaders Finland but still get two games in hand.
This perfect start sweet Dutch fans wey watch their team struggle before – two wins from last two matches na the same as dem manage in previous nine games. Na March 2021 be the last time Netherlands lose for World Cup qualifier.
Meanwhile, Poland just taste defeat for June as Finland stop their perfect run with 2-1 win. Joel Pohjanpalo and Benjamin Kallman score for Scandinavians, while Jakub Kiwior late goal na only consolation. That loss end coach Michal Probierz tenure and open road for Jan Urban.
Urban na former Poland international wey play World Cup 1986. Him first job na to rebuild with captain Robert Lewandowski, wey dey return after clash with Probierz. The Barca striker don regain armband and go lead Poland for their 21st meeting with Netherlands. Oranje never lose to Poland since 1979.
Form Guide
Netherlands – World Cup Qualifying: W W
Netherlands – All Competitions: W D D L W W
Poland – World Cup Qualifying: W W L
Poland – All Competitions: L L W W W L
Team News
Koeman no fit call Liverpool right-back Jeremie Frimpong because of hamstring injury. But squad still get quality. All eyes go dey on Memphis Depay wey don reach 50 goals – just one more go make am pass Robin van Persie as Netherlands top male scorer.
Depay likely lead attack with Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons. Midfield go feature Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders.
For Poland, Lewandowski dey back as captain even though him never get much game time this season (only 26 minutes for La Liga). If Urban no risk am, Karol Swiderski, Adam Buksa or Krzysztof Piatek fit lead line.
Under Probierz, Poland play 3-5-2, but Urban dey known for four-man defence – e fit be 4-3-3 or 4-4-2.
Netherlands possible XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Simons, Depay, Gakpo
Poland possible XI: Skorupski; Bednarek, Kedziora, Kiwior; Cash, Zielinski, Szymanski, Slisz, Zalewski; Lewandowski, Piatek
Prediction
Even though Poland get new manager bounce, Netherlands form and attacking balance too strong. Oranje dey look like dark horses for 2026 World Cup.
Our Pick: Netherlands 3-1 Poland
