| One of European football's classic rivalries re-ignites on Thursday. The Netherlands host Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam for the opening matchday of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League. Both sides enter this campaign under fresh tactical leadership following the summer. This fixture marks the official debut for Xavi Hernandez as head coach of the Dutch national team. Memphis Depay has been left out of the squad. Late injuries to Justin Kluivert and Donyell Malen led to late call-ups for AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink and PSV's Guus Til. Xavi is expected to push high fluid wings through Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons, relying on Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders to dictate tempo from midfield. Jurgen Klopp continues his renew of the German squad. Joshua Kimmich moves back into a central midfield double-pivot alongside Felix Nmecha, steering away from his right-back duties. His team will try direct press, fast transitions out wide with Karim Adeyemi, and intense counter-pressing in the middle third. |
