Finland vs Netherlands: WCQ Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

On Saturday night, the Netherlands will face Finland in the Helsinki Olympic Stadium to kick off their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.

Poland, Lithuania, and Malta round up Group G, which includes the two countries that are 63 spots apart in the FIFA World Rankings.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

The Netherlands, currently ranked sixth in the world by FIFA, is attempting to secure a spot in their 12th World Cup by winning six of their eight group matches. They have only managed two wins in their last nine international matches across all competitions, with the most recent victories coming in the Nations League against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Hungary. Poland is currently in first place, six points ahead of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands have one of the most difficult Group G matchups awaiting them on Saturday as they travel to Finland. However, they are confident in their ability to win, having won all four of their previous encounters with the Eagle-owls in Euro and World Cup qualifying by an aggregate score of 11-2.

Finland, relegated from League B Group 2 in the Nations League after losing all six matches in a group that also included England, the Republic of Ireland, and Greece in 2024, has been on a perfect start in 2025, earning four points in their first two World Cup qualifiers against Lithuania and Malta. Despite losing their most recent match in March, Finland remains second in Group G, holding a three-point lead over the three nations below them, thanks to Oliver Antman's lone goal in a narrow 1-0 victory over Malta on matchday one.

Finland, ranked 69th in the world by FIFA, is attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the 19th time in their history. They came close to qualifying for the 2022 tournament in Qatar but have lost their past three home internationals, allowing at least two goals in each game.

Finland x Netherlands Team News

Midfielder Roman Eremenko, who is 38 years old, was called up to the Finnish national team nine years ago after winning his most recent of 73 caps during a stellar spell with Gnistan. However, he has since had to withdraw from the squad due to an injury.

The roster has four seasoned veterans: Joel Pohjanpalo, Teemu Pukki, Lukas Hradecky, and Robin Lod. Hradecky is anticipated to start in goal and become the sixth player in Finnish history to gain 100 caps.

Two midfielders, Matias Siltanen (18) of Djurgården and Tommi Jyry (25) have been called up to the senior national team for the first time and may make their debuts this weekend. However, it is very doubtful that either of them will start.

The following players from the Netherlands have been omitted from the 23-man roster: Joey Veerman, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Brian Brobbey, Jurrien Timber, Jerdy Schouten, and Bart Verbruggen. The four players above are out due to injuries or fitness concerns.

Nathan Ake has recovered from foot surgery and will compete with Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato for the starting left-back left-back position. Denzel Dumfries, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Jeremie Frimpong, who just signed with Liverpool, are all strong candidates for the starting right-back position.

Koeman has said that Memphis Depay or Wout Weghorst will start in the starting lineup for the offense, while Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders, who is set to join Manchester City, might form a partnership in central midfield.  No matter who gets the nod, Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Justin Kluivert may all provide offensive help.

Our Predictions

Netherlands to win & Under 3.5 goals @ 1.90 on Sky247.ng

Although anything can happen in football, it's hard to see Finland stealing a win from the Netherlands (a 4-1 friendly victory in 1950) and causing an upset.  We anticipate a Group G triumph for the Oranje if they choose a solid squad.

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