Review as Haaland and Depay miss

Ronald Koeman will play with a much changed player The Netherlands side as they face Norway in the first of two friendlies before naming his line-up for World Cup 2026.

The Oranje host Norway in Amsterdam on Friday before facing Ecuador next Tuesday, with the matches serving as an audition for those hoping to earn inclusion in the traveling group for the 48-team North American tournament.

And with several players missing due to injury, the opportunities to impress will increase.

Holland’s record goalscorer Memphis Depay is out with a thigh injury, which Koeman admitted is a problem.

« The fact that he is injured now is not positive, » Koeman said of the Corinthians striker. « It worries me a bit more than the other players. I think he has to be in top form (for the World Cup). »

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Case Smith is in line to make his debut after being included in the squad. Smith is expected to attract significant interest from Premier League and European clubs this summer.

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbie was called up to the squad, while his team-mate Lutsharel Gertruida was called up as a replacement for the injured Jurien Timber.

« I want to see the boys. Then I can take everything to a final choice, » Koeman added.

« Some players are a bit overtired. We certainly take that into account. I will change more than before, especially between the two games. »

Meanwhile, Norway will be without Erling Haaland and Stål Solbakken will opt to rest the Manchester City star.

« We take into account the general strain that Erling has been under for a long, long time and have concluded that the best decision for all parties is for him to take the necessary rest now, » Solbacken said.

« It’s a special attitude. It’s because of what Erling has been through both on and off the pitch. There’s a lot of pressure on him and for me that’s the most important thing he does at the World Cup in June. »

Haaland’s absence could increase the confidence of a home win for the Orangemen. However, with Norway winning all eight of their games en route to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, they are a side to be taken very seriously.

And with Atletico Madrid’s Alexandre Sorlot and Crystal Palace’s Jørgen Strand Larsen still among their striking options, they should still pose a significant attacking threat.

It will be a special occasion for Doniel Mallen, who is set to win his 50th cap for the Netherlands.

« I come from a small village in the north and to be on 50 international now is very nice, » said Malen.

« I still have a lot of photos from the past with the Dutch national team jerseys, it’s very special. It’s a very beautiful journey where I’ve experienced a lot. Two finals, I can name a lot of things that I have fond memories of.

« My first European Championship was very special and my debut game is something I will never forget. »

Netherlands vs Norway team news

In addition to Depay and Timber, Crisencio Somerville has also withdrawn from the squad, with injury denying him the chance to make his debut, while Robin Roofes, Matthijs de Ligt, Noah Lang and Frenkie de Jong also miss out.

While Haaland is on rest, Norway are still without Arsenal midfielder and captain Martin Odegaard through injury.

Predicted lineups for Netherlands vs Norway

The Netherlands: bridge; Dumfries, Van Dyck, Van de Ven, Ake; Gravenberch, Schouten; Simmons, Reinders, Gakpo; Be bold.

Norway: Newland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ayer, Bjorkan; Bob, Berg, Berge, Hauge; Strand Larsen, Sorlot.

Where to watch Netherlands vs Norway: TV and online streams

Netherlands v Norway kicks off at 19:45 UK time. It will be available to stream Amazon Prime Video for a pay-per-view price of £2.49.

Netherlands vs Norway Stats

• The Netherlands and Norway have met 22 times, with Oranje winning 10 times (L7, D5).
• Norway have not beaten the Netherlands since a 2-1 win in 1994 World Cup qualifying in 1992.
• The Stål Solbakken side scored an incredible 37 goals in World Cup qualifying, with 16 of them scored by Haaland.
• Norway’s last defeat came in a 5-1 loss to Austria in the UEFA Nations League in October 2024. They are unbeaten in 12 games since then, with their only slip up being a 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand.
• The Netherlands are also unbeaten in regular time since October 2024, a loss to Germany in the Nations League. They lost on penalties to Spain in the quarter-finals of that competition.

Netherlands vs Norway Prediction

Expect goals in a match between two sides that look evenly matched. An entertaining draw seems a likely outcome.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Norway

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