Netherlands vs Poland
The Netherlands are among the few teams that boast a 100-per cent record in the ongoing World Cup 2026 qualifiers, and the Oranje hope to keep it that way when they host Poland at De Kuip this Thursday evening. The hosts are second in Group G with six points, only one point behind table leaders Finland. However, they have a game in hand and are keen to take advantage.
Ronald Koeman’s side was imperious during the previous international break, as they won 2-0 against Finland before whacking Malta 8-0 for an impressive goal difference of +10. Clinching the top spot is their objective because doing so guarantees their berth in next year’s World Cup without any fuss.
Poland are third behind the Netherlands with six points. After winning 1-0 and 2-0 against Lithuania and Malta, the Poles endured a 2-1 loss against Finland last June. Since then, Poland have appointed a new manager.
Talking Points
Depay closing in on Netherlands record
The Netherlands showed no mercy to Malta during their most recent World Cup qualifier, as six different scorers made the net ripple last June. Head coach Ronald Koeman hopes that the Oranje’s free-scoring ways will carry over in their next few matches.
Memphis Depay and Donyell Malen had braces, while Virgil van Dijk, Xavi Simons, Noa Lang, and Micky van de Ven were also on the scoresheet. Depay will be highly motivated to score at least one goal this Thursday, since doing so will put him above Robin van Persie (50 goals) in the Netherlands’ all-time scoring list. The Corinthians striker is expected to lead the line alongside Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons, and Justin Kluivert.
Koeman has recently called up Sem Steijn and Robin Roefs to the Oranje for the first time, and both youngsters hope to see some action this international break. However, it’s hard to envision them playing over other mainstays, with Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders, and Frenkie de Jong fighting for minutes in midfield, and Mark Flekken manning between the sticks.
On the defencive side of the pitch, centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij will likely marshal the backline, with Micky van de Ven and Denzel Dumfries operating as full-backs.
Poland rebuilding bridges with star striker
Poland appointed Jan Urban the national team manager last July, succeeding Michal Probierz, who handed in his resignation in June after a dispute with captain Robert Lewandowski. Probierz was not on good terms with Lewandowski after the former stripped the captain’s armband from the latter, who refused to play under him since the bold move. Now with Urban, the former national team striker has mended fences with the Barcelona star.
Lewandowski should be fresh and ready to go for Poland, as the 37-year-old hasn’t played much club football so far this season, having played just 26 minutes in La Liga, serving as Ferran Torres’ backup. If Urban plans to play it safe with the 85-goal Pole, he could go with Karol Swiderski, Adam Buksa, or Krzysztof Piątek in the final third against the Oranje.
History
The Netherlands are undefeated in their last 13 competitive encounters against Poland across all competitions (W8, D5). Overall, these two nations have squared off 20 times, with the Oranje having 10 wins, and the Poles having three wins and seven draws. Poland’s last victory over the Netherlands was a 2-0 result during the Euro 1980 qualifiers in May 1979.
These two sides last faced off in the group stage of Euro 2024, with the Netherlands winning 2-1. Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst scored for the Oranje, and Adam Buksa had one goal for Poland. The Netherlands barely qualified for the knockout phase, placing third with four points, while Poland dropped out after having only one point. The Oranje went as far as the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to England.
Betting Tip
The World Cup 2026 odds expect the hosts to breeze past their visitors this Thursday night. The Netherlands are 1.26 favourites to win at De Kuip, whereas Poland are huge 8.60 underdogs, and a draw is at 5.10 in the 1X2 market.
Because both nations boast solid firepower, SBOTOP bettors and football fans can expect to have their fair share of World Cup 2026 highlights. Besides our recommended bet above, it may be tempting to add Over 2.75 at 1.89 and Netherlands Asian Handicap -1.50 at 1.81 and -1.75 at 2.08 to the parlay. Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of the Oranje – the result of their most recent competitive meeting – is priced at 9.00 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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