Finland vs Netherlands World Cup Qualifier – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

While the Netherlands undoubtedly have better international pedigree, they must be wary of a confident and organised Finnish side.

The Netherlands begin their journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a tricky away fixture against Finland on Saturday night at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. While the Oranje are widely tipped to progress from Group G, their recent form raises questions ahead of this crucial qualifier.

Ranked sixth in the FIFA World Rankings, the Netherlands come into this campaign after and dramatic UEFA Nations League exit to Spain, losing 5-4 on penalties. With just one win in their last seven games, Ronald Koeman’s men will be eager to re-establish momentum as they aim to qualify for their 12th World Cup.

Finland, meanwhile, are off to a strong start under new head coach Jacob Friis, who took over from long-serving boss Markku Kanerva in January. The Finns are unbeaten in their opening two matches, picking up a win over Malta and a draw with Lithuania. Despite being ranked 63 spots below the Netherlands, Finland will be determined to produce a good game here.

While the Netherlands undoubtedly have better squad depth and international pedigree, they must be wary of a confident and organised Finnish side in front of a home crowd in Helsinki.

Working towards #FINNED! 🇫🇮🔩#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/K7p1MbPS8r
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 4, 2025

Finland Injury News

Finland will be without 38-year-old midfielder Roman Eremenko for Saturday as he has has withdrawn due to injury. Notably, Eremenko was recently recalled to the national squad after nine years away due to standout performances at club level.

Nevertheless, head coach Jacob Friis has a strong squad at his disposal. Captain Lukas Hradecky is expected to start in goal and is on the verge of history. He is set to become the sixth Finnish player to earn 100 international caps. Veteran forwards Teemu Pukki and Joel Pohjanpalo, along with attacking midfielder Robin Lod, also feature in the squad.

Finland Predicted Line-Up

Hradecky; Alho, Tenho, Ivanov, Uronen; Kamara, Kairinen, Lod; Antman, Pohjanpalo, Kallman

Netherlands Injury News

The Netherlands will be without several regulars for their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Finland. Jurrien Timber, Jerdy Schouten, Brian Brobbey, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Kenneth Taylor, and Joey Veerman are all missing from the 23-man squad due to fitness issues.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and soon-to-be Manchester City player Tijjani Reijnders are expected to anchor the center of the park. Up front, either Memphis Depay or Wout Weghorst will start as the central striker.

Netherlands Predicted Line-Up

Flekken; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Ake; De Jong, Reijnders; Kluivert, Simons, Gakpo; Weghorst/ Depay

Finland

Netherlands

World Cup Qualifiers

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.