Both the Netherlands and Norway have booked their place at the World Cup in North America this summer and the pair will face off in a friendly on Friday. The game kicks off at 7:45pm in the Johan Cruijff Arena, and below you can find our match preview and best bets.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 3.5 goals | 7/4 @ Ladbrokes (36.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The Netherlands have gone 12 games unbeaten in regulation time, while Norway have won 11 of their 12 matches since October 2024. With both sides in such strong form, Amsterdam is set for a high-scoring clash. |
| Netherlands to Win & BTTS | 5/2 @ Betway (28.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Norway were sensational in World Cup qualifying but without Haaland and Odegaard, they may came unstuck against a Netherlands side who are unbeaten in 12 internationals. |
How both teams go into Netherlands vs Norway
The Netherlands topped UEFA Group G to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup with a convincing performance across their qualifiers. They played home-and-away fixtures against Finland, Lithuania, Malta and Poland, finishing clear at the top of the group. Their final match was a 4-0 win over Lithuania, which clinched qualification and left them three points ahead of second‑placed Poland thanks to their superior record.
Oranje were dominant throughout the campaign, scoring freely and consistently earning points to finish as group winners, ensuring direct qualification for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their strong qualifying showing sets them up as one of Europe’s leading sides heading into the 2026 tournament.
Norway enjoyed a landmark 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, winning every match in UEFA Group I to book their place at the finals for the first time since 1998. They finished top of a group that included Italy, Israel, Moldova and Estonia, emerging as group winners with eight wins from eight, a perfect record that secured automatic qualification.
Erling Haaland was the standout performer, finishing as the top scorer in European qualifying with 16 goals and at least one in every qualifier. Norway’s campaign featured notable victories such as a 4‑1 win over Italy at the San Siro, underlining their dominance and ensuring they finished clear of second‑placed Italy. Their prolific scoring and defensive solidity made this one of the most impressive qualifying runs in their history as they return to the World Cup stage after nearly three decades.
Netherlands team news
The Netherlands will be without Noa Lang for their friendly with Norway on 27 March 2026 after he underwent surgery on a hand injury sustained in a Champions League match, ruling him out of the Amsterdam fixture. Memphis Depay also looks unlikely to feature as he continues to recover from an injury picked up with his club. Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman has drafted in Lutsharel Geertruida to cover for the injured Jurriën Timber, and Brian Brobbey is expected to start after returning to form in the Premier League. The squad blends established internationals with new options like Kees Smit, reflecting Koeman’s desire to test players ahead of the World Cup.
Norway team news
Norway’s preparations for the friendly against the Netherlands on 27 March 2026 have been affected by injury news. Captain Martin Ødegaard has been left out of the squad as he continues to recover from a knee problem and remains with club Arsenal rather than joining the national camp.
Star striker Erling Haaland will also be absent for this match as Norway manage his schedule and build toward competitive fixtures later in the season.
Conclusion: Who picks up a friendly win?
Norway were sensational in World Cup qualifying but without Haaland and Odegaard, they may came unstuck against a Netherlands side who are unbeaten in 12 internationals. Back the hosts to win and both teams to score at a very tempting 5/2.