Netherlands vs Poland
Back an end-to-end encounter at De Kuip
**The first 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin on Thursday night with the Netherlands taking on Poland at De Kuip in Rotterdam. **
The Netherlands have a terrific history in the FIFA World Cup; however, the Oranje didn't qualify for the 2018 tournament and only reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition.
Ronald Koeman's side are very attack-minded, and they have been free-flowing throughout 2025 so far. They put five past Spain in the two Nations League games and then stuck ten past Finland and Malta without reply.
They have plenty of firepower, and Cody Gapko has enjoyed a very positive start for Liverpool in the Premier League. Wout Weghorst, Xavi Simons and Memphis Depay are all in the squad, with the latter aiming to break Robin Van Persie's goalscoring record of 50 goals. He should be highly motivated.
Poland have struggled in recent years, although Robin Lewandowski does return to the team having missed the two previous games in mid-summer. Despite dominating the game, they lost 2-1 to Finland in the previous qualifier, and their only victories in the last 364 days have come against Malta, Moldova and Lithuania.
They're conceding far too many goals, and new boss Jan Urban will be tasked with sorting out their leaky backline. This is a tricky first fixture for the former Legia Warsaw manager, and he will want to see his side play with plenty of freedom.
Expect an open and entertaining game in Rotterdam.
Jack’s football journey began in the early 2000s at Bloomfield Road, sparking a lifelong passion for the EFL and beyond. With over a decade of writing and tipping experience, he delivers sharp insights and value-driven betting advice across football, darts, tennis, and horse racing.
When he’s not analysing stats, Jack is on commentary duty for Stoke City and occasionally heard at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Based in Leeds, he’s as reliable with a brew as he is with a bet.