There are just a few days left until the World Cup, and all participating teams have scheduled friendly matches to wrap up their preparations. Unlike most teams, the Netherlands have chosen to prepare at home, hosting Algeria—a team with high ambitions—in the first of their two friendlies.
The Flying Dutchmen have looked very dangerous over the past 12 months, qualifying for the World Cup with ease and remaining undefeated since March 2025 (W7, D3). At home, they haven’t lost since 2023, so they will certainly be confident in their ability to win.
Algeria’s rise is also continuing in full force, with the national team having played a total of 25 matches over the past 365 days. In their last 17 fixtures, they’ve suffered only two losses, which certainly will give them motivation even this far from home.
The Greens are preparing for their fifth World Cup appearance and their first since 2014, when they reached the Round of 16.
How the bookies view it: Oranje are hard to beat at home
It probably won’t surprise you that the Netherlands are favoured in the odds. Given the teams’ positions in the FIFA rankings, this difference is entirely justified.
Currently, the Netherlands are listed at 2/5, a draw at 33/10, and Algeria at 8/1.
Recent head-to-head: A brand new intercontinental rivalry
Despite having both participated in World Cups in the past, the Netherlands and Algeria have never faced each other in an official match.
Players to watch: Depay is healthy and ready
Ronald Koeman took his time announcing the Netherlands’ official World Cup squad, revealing it less than a week ago. The biggest name in doubt was the country’s all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay, who had been recovering from an injury until recently.
He returned to action for his club a week ago, so he will certainly need more playing time before the World Cup and will likely feature in this match, though probably as a second-half substitute.
Probable line-ups
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Wieffer, De Jong, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Reijnders, Malen, Brobbey
Algeria: Mastil, Ait-Nouri, Bensebaini, Mandi, Belghali, Zerrouki, Aouar, Chaibi, Maza, Mahrez, Gouiri
Anything else catch the eye?
There is certainly a difference in class, given that every player on the Netherlands’ roster plays for a major European club. But Algeria’s lineup also features big names and former champions from the top five leagues.
Algeria aren't always clinical enough in the final third, leading to low-scoring matches, but right now we expect both teams to play tightly and with focus.
Most of the Netherlands’ matches over the past year have been high-scoring, and we expect the same here. At least one goal in each net and enough action to delight the fans, who will surely fill the stadium to support their favourites ahead of the World Cup.
That’s why we also believe the Netherlands will prevail in the match and win it.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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