Both teams sit in second place in Group G with six points each, although Poland has played one more game. A win for the Oranje would give them a 3‑for‑3 record and make them the clear favorites for top spot.
The Netherlands has shown why it is considered the favorite in the group, confirming its status as the strongest team so far. In the June international window, they played two matches and won both. First, they beat Finland 2‑0 away, then they demolished Malta 8‑0 in front of their home crowd. Earlier in May, they were eliminated by Spain in the Nations League quarterfinals, in two intense and entertaining matches. The experienced Ronald Koeman has been back in charge since January 2023 for the second time in his career. One of the country’s most renowned coaches, he remains a big name despite occasional criticism. He has experimented with various options, but in the qualifiers he sticks to the classic Dutch 4‑3‑3. The team is particularly strong at home, unbeaten in nine matches with a record of 7‑2‑0, scoring at least three goals in six of those games.
Team news: Sam Stijn is called up for the first time, an attacking midfielder who was last season’s Eredivisie top scorer with Twente and now plays for Feyenoord. Goalkeeper Robin Rufs from Sunderland also receives his first call-up. Two key absences are the injured Feyerman from PSV and Friborg. Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong had minor knocks in recent days, but there are no concerns, and Depay is expected to start.
Poland has played three games in the qualifiers. They recorded two home wins against Lithuania (1‑0) and Malta (2‑0), but lost 2‑1 away to Finland. That defeat caused turmoil, leading to the resignation of Michal Probierz after a dispute with Robert Lewandowski over the captaincy. The Barcelona star had even declared he would not play for the national team while Probierz was in charge. On July 16, Jan Urban, a former international with 57 caps and previous coaching experience in Spain with Osasuna, took over as the new head coach. He also previously served as an assistant with the national team.
Team news: The squad brought no major surprises. Lewandowski returns despite his injury, while three players are called up for the first time. Ahead of his debut, Urban emphasized that the goal is to prepare the team as best as possible, noting that the final tactics will also depend on the opponent they face.