
Published: September 24, 2026
- Xavi and Jurgen Klopp take charge of their first games
- Kick-off 7.45pm BST, Thursday 24 September, Johan Cruyff Arena
- No UK TV coverage confirmed for the match
Two giants, two new gaffers, and one tasty curtain-raiser in UEFA Nations League Group A2. Xavi leads the Netherlands for the first time, while Jurgen Klopp begins his Germany reign looking to inject energy and identity straight away. It’s a proper tone-setter in Amsterdam, the sort of night that tells you plenty about where both projects are heading. If you’re sizing it up from a punter’s angle, have a look at our best football betting sites for form and markets before kick-off.
Kick-Off Time and How to Watch
The match gets underway at 7.45pm BST on Thursday 24 September at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. As it stands, there is no television coverage in the United Kingdom. Fans should keep an eye on official team channels and local listings in their region for any late changes.
Team News and Predicted XIs
Xavi’s opening squad has a different feel. Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert are out injured, with Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt also absent. The headline call was to leave out Memphis Depay, while captain Virgil van Dijk remains central to the plans after talks with the new boss. Expect a structured, possession-first approach with license for the wide men to run at full-backs.
Klopp, meanwhile, has already stamped his authority, splitting a large preliminary group before trimming to 24. Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade miss out for this one, and Freiburg right-back Philipp Treu could debut—a signal that form and fit trump reputation in the new regime.
Expected Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; a back four of Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; midfield trio Koopmeiners, Gravenberch, Reijnders; wide threats Summerville and Gakpo supporting Brobbey at centre-forward.
Expected Germany XI: Ter Stegen; Treu, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Kimmich and Nmecha as the engine room; Karl, Musiala and Schade operating behind Havertz as the focal point.
On paper and on the pitch, this has balance and bite. The midfield duel—Kimmich’s metronome against Koopmeiners’ control—could dictate the rhythm, while set pieces look a big lever for the Dutch with Van Dijk and Van de Ven towering. For Germany, the pressing triggers under Klopp will be the tell: win it high, feed Musiala, and Havertz will see chances. It’s early days for both bosses, but there are no gimmes at this level—expect a tight contest with a couple of big moments deciding it.
Latest Football News

Ronaldo at Why Portugals Icon Isnt Done Yet
Ronaldo, 41, set for his 234th Portugal cap against Wales in Lisbon Vows to play on while he still impacts ...

Reijnders Saudi Switch Money Minutes and a Man City Misfit
£51m move: Reijnders leaves Man City for Al Qadsiah after one season Four-year package worth around €100m (...

City Show Their Mettle in Munich With Stirring Comeback
City recover from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw in Munich Shaw misses a second-half penalty before a late lev...

Townsends Brush With Disaster in Thailand Calm Courage and Three Points
Townsend escapes injury after being run over by a pitch roller in Thailand Returns to action and helps PT P...