Netherlands vs Germany: UEFA Nations League opener
Two national teams with new managers face off in Amsterdam
On Thursday, September 24, the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League opener brings Netherlands and Germany face-to-face in Amsterdam. Both teams, which had disappointing campaigns at the 2026 World Cup, welcome new managers: Xavi for the Netherlands and Jürgen Klopp for Germany.
What changed in the Netherlands
Manager Xavi, in his first job with a national team, has kept a large part of the core that failed at the World Cup. The Dutch elimination on penalties to Morocco marked the departure of Ronald Koeman. Virgil van Dijk, captain and most experienced center-back, revealed that he considered retiring from the national team, but decided to continue after talking with Xavi. The Spanish coach emphasized Van Dijk's importance to the squad.
The new Germany under Klopp
Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, also lacks national team experience, but brings club-level expertise. He highlights the difference in style compared to Xavi, being humorous and joking about having worked with Dutch players at Liverpool. In Germany, Ter Stegen takes over in goal following Manuel Neuer's retirement, and Lennart Karl returns to the team.
Newcomers and debutants in the German squad
Klopp has called up 12 debutants for the match. Among them, Freiburg center-back Philipp Treu may get a chance to play. The squad list includes Ter Stegen, Treu, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown, Kimmich, Nmecha, Karl, Musiala, Schade, Havertz, alongside other names.
Thursday's match schedule
The European matchday kicks off at 1:00 PM with Andorra vs Malta and continues with a slate of games at 3:45 PM, including Netherlands vs Germany, Portugal vs Wales, Norway vs Denmark, Serbia vs Greece, Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland, Austria vs Israel, and Liechtenstein vs Lithuania. The matches are broadcast by ESPN, Disney+, SporTV, and other networks.
How to watch live
For those looking to follow the match, the broadcast is available on ESPN and Disney+ in Brasília time. The game kicks off at 3:45 PM, Brasília time, and is held at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.
Expectations for the match
With Xavi and Klopp at the helm, the match promises to reveal how both national teams adapt to new leadership styles after the World Cup. The presence of experienced players like Van Dijk and Ter Stegen, alongside debutants, creates an interesting setting for the Nations League opener.
With information from ge, VEJA.
Source: ge, VEJA