Netherlands - Germany... "A New Era"

The Netherlands national team, led by new manager Xavi Hernandez, will host their counterparts, the German national team, also under new manager Jurgen Klopp, in Amsterdam in a "European Classic" as part of the opening matches of Group 2 in the first tier of the fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League.

Spanish midfield legend Xavi took over as manager of the Netherlands, succeeding Ronald Koeman, following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup by Morocco.

Xavi is expected to rely on Bart Verbruggen in goal, ahead of a defensive line of Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Akki, and Micky van de Ven. In midfield, Joey Veerman, Ryan Gravenberch, and Tijjani Reijnders are likely to feature, while Jeremie Frimpong, Brian Brobbey, and Cody Gakpo are expected to lead the attack.

On the other side, Liverpool legend Klopp succeeded his compatriot Julian Nagelsmann as manager of the German national team, following their disappointing early exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Klop will begin his tenure with four matches in the competition during September and October. He has announced two different squads of 22 players for the four encounters against the Netherlands, Greece (twice), and Serbia.

Mark-André ter Stegen, the Spanish club Barcelona goalkeeper on loan to Dutch side Ajax, has returned to the German national team after recovering from a serious injury. After playing for years behind Manuel Neuer, he now has the opportunity to take over as the starting goalkeeper. However, he currently needs to outperform Besiktas goalkeeper Alexander Nübel.

Klop is expected to start with Nübel in goal, ahead of a defensive line featuring Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Joshua Kimmich. In midfield, Felix Nmecha, Nadiem Amiri, and Serge Gnabry are likely to play, while Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz are expected to lead the attack.

The last meeting between the two teams ended with a 1-0 victory for Germany in the Nations League in October 2024. Prior to that, the teams drew 2-2 when the Netherlands hosted Germany in the same competition in September 2024.

In the last five head-to-head meetings, Germany has won twice, the Netherlands once, and two matches ended in draws. In the same group, Serbia will face Greece.

Jesus replaced Spanish manager Roberto Martinez, whose tenure ended after Portugal’s elimination by Spain in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.