Both the Netherlands and Finland will be hoping to build on recent wins in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying when they take on each other in Amsterdam on Sunday evening. The hosts cemented their place at the top of Group G with a 4-0 win away in Malta, while Finland came back from a goal down to beat Lithuania 2-1 on home soil.
It is a tight group at the moment with the top three teams, including the Netherlands and Finland, separated by just three points either side of Poland. Nonetheless, this feels like a crucial qualifier, where the winner would take a huge step to potentially qualify for the finals next year.
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Netherlands vs Finland prediction: Oranje to keep marching on?
Key stats
- Netherlands are now unbeaten in five qualifiers, winning four of them.
- Finland are winless in three away games in total in all competitions.
- Finland have never beaten the Netherlands, with the latter winning the last five meetings.
Correct score prediction: Netherlands 4-0 Finland
With the Netherlands a whopping 64 places above Finland in the official FIFA world rankings, this game feels somewhat of a mismatch. The Oranje should take care of their opponents on home soil, and their free-scoring nature in qualifying should continue.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Netherlands big favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 1/11 (1.09) – 91.7%
- DRAW: 10/1 (11.00) – 9.1%
- AWAY: 25/1 (26.00) – 3.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, the Netherlands are understandably the big favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil. A draw and a Finland victory are deemed highly unlikely with both rated at under 10%.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page to engage with more of our predictions for the other World Cup qualifiers taking place.
Most recent H2Hs: First Finland win unlikely
As mentioned before, Finland have never beaten the Netherlands, having played them a total of 12 times in all competitions. The latter have also won the previous five H2Hs, and will no doubt be aiming for six in a row here.
Netherlands preview: Depay fit enough to start?
Memphis Depay was not deemed fit enough to face Malta, but may have recovered enough to start here. He could replace Wout Weghorst in the starting line-up.
Predicted lineup: Verbruggen (GK); Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Frimpong, Depay & Gakpo
Last five results:
- Malta 0-4 Netherlands
- Lithuania 2-3 Netherlands
- Netherlands 1-1 Poland
- Netherlands 8-0 Malta
- Finland 0-2 Netherlands
Finland preview: Ivanov suspended
Robert Ivanov is suspended after picking up another booking against Lithuania. Lukas Hradecky and Rasmus Schuller remain out injured for Finland.
Predicted lineup: Joronen (GK); Alho, Tenho, Koski, Uronen; Lod, Kairinen, Markhiyev; Kallman, Pohjanpalo & Antman
Last five results:
- Finland 2-1 Lithuania
- Poland 3-1 Lithuania
- Norway 1-0 Finland
- Finland 2-1 Poland
- Finland 0-2 Netherlands
Player to watch: Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo scored twice from the penalty spot to help the Netherlands beat Malta, and so Finland will have to be wary about not giving away any penalties. The Liverpool winger was also denied a hat-trick by the offside flag, showing how deadly he can also be from open play.