The international friendly at De Kuip in Rotterdam will see the Netherlands face Algeria, with both sides preparing for the 2026 World Cup but approaching the fixture with different priorities.

The Netherlands remain one of Europe’s elite teams, but recent tournaments have exposed their inability to take the final step. Under Ronald Koeman, they reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals and quarter-finals of both the 2022 World Cup and 2024/25 Nations League.

In qualification, the Oranje impressed with 6 wins and 2 draws, finishing above Poland. Recent results include a 2-1 win over Norway and a 1-1 draw against Ecuador. They are unbeaten in 10 matches, while De Kuip remains a fortress with only two defeats since 1990.

Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after topping their qualification group with just one defeat in 10 matches. Under Vladimir Petkovic, they have become a more structured and disciplined side.

Following a disappointing AFCON campaign, Algeria responded with a 7-0 win over Guatemala and a 0-0 draw against Uruguay. They have kept five clean sheets in their last seven matches, showing strong defensive organisation alongside attacking threats like Mahrez, Gouiri, and Aouar.

Key stats

• Netherlands unbeaten in 10 matches
• Only 2 home defeats at De Kuip since 1990
• Algeria won 7 of last 10 games
• 5 clean sheets in last 7 matches

Summary

Algeria are well organised and dangerous on the counter, but the Netherlands have superior quality and strong home advantage. A competitive match is expected, with the hosts likely to control more of the game.

Prediction

Netherlands win & over 1.5 goals