Finland vs Netherlands, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

Finland vs Netherlands Match Prediction & Analysis

The Netherlands kicks off their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a challenging trip to Helsinki to face Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. The Dutch, ranked 63 places higher, are seeking their first victory after a winless streak of three matches, all ending in draws. Manager Ronald Koeman is emphasizing the need to top Group G, which also includes Poland, Lithuania, and Malta.

Finland enters the match with four points from two outings, though they let a two-goal lead slip in their last game against Lithuania. Their recent form is concerning, with only one win in their last 10 matches (against Malta) and seven defeats. 

The Netherlands has a strong scoring record against Finland, netting two or more goals in six of their seven previous encounters. Despite their recent draws, the Netherlands' offensive capabilities could be the key to securing a crucial opening win.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Finland Preview

Finland, despite a decent performance in the last qualifying cycle, failed to reach Euro 2024 via the Nations League, suffering relegation from League B Group 2. Under new head coach Jacob Friis, who took over in January, they've had an unbeaten start to their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, securing four points from two matches. This includes a narrow 1-0 win against 10-man Malta and a disappointing 2-2 draw with Lithuania, where they squandered a two-goal lead.

Ranked 69th globally, Finland is still bidding for their first-ever World Cup appearance, having narrowly missed out on Qatar 2022. However, their home form is a concern, with three consecutive home defeats where they conceded at least twice in each. They've won just one of their last five home World Cup qualifiers.

Key attacker Joel Pohjanpalo, with 15 goals for Venezia and Palermo this season, is expected to lead the line, having already scored in the current tournament. While experienced midfielder Roman Eremenko was recalled, he's withdrawn due to injury. 

Lukas Hradecky, Teemu Pukki, Joel Pohjanpalo, and Robin Lod are included, with Hradecky set to earn his 100th cap. Debut opportunities might arise for youngsters Matias Siltanen and Tommi Jyry.

Finland probable starting lineup: Hradecky (Gk); Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Uronen; Kamara, Kairinen, Lod; Antman, Pohjanpalo, Kallman

Netherlands Preview

The Netherlands national team reached the Euro 2024 semifinals, a positive outcome despite a mixed group stage, ensuring Ronald Koeman remains manager. In the UEFA Nations League, the dutch finished second in their group, securing only two wins from six matches, though they put up a strong fight against Spain in the playoffs, eventually losing on penalties.

Currently, the Netherlands is playing catch-up in World Cup qualifiers, with other Group G teams having played two games. Ranked sixth globally, they aim to qualify for their 12th World Cup. Recent results have been challenging for Koeman, with only two wins in their last nine internationals. 

The Netherlands has not lost in their last nine WC Qualification UEFA matches and in 36 of their last 42 games in all competitions. Key players like Xavi Simons, with 18 goal contributions for Leipzig this season, are expected to lead the attack. 

Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders are set to link up in midfield, while Memphis Depay or Wout Weghorst will start up front, ed by Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Justin Kluivert.

Netherlands Probable Starting Lineup -  Flekken (Gk); Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Ake; De Jong, Reijnders; Kluivert, Simons, Gakpo; Weghorst