7M - International Friendlies Preview: Netherlands vs Uzbekistan - prediction, team news, lineups

The Netherlands and Uzbekistan wrap up their World Cup preparations on Monday when they face off for the first time ever at Icahn Stadium in New York. Both nations are aiming to bounce back from recent warm-up defeats and secure a crucial morale boost before heading into the main tournament.

Match Preview

Following a successful semi-final run at Euro 2024 and a quarter-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup, the Netherlands enter this summer targeting global glory. Ronald Koeman's men saw their impressive 10-match unbeaten run snapped in a recent 1-0 defeat to Algeria. Now stationed in North America for a brief training camp, the Oranje will view this lower-profile fixture as a final opportunity to calibrate their squad before opening their tournament against Japan in Dallas.

Uzbekistan, currently ranked 50th in the world by FIFA, are preparing for their long-awaited World Cup debut. Led by former World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, the White Wolves have established themselves as a tough side to beat, losing only twice since late 2024. The most recent of those defeats occurred on Tuesday, a 2-0 loss against tournament co-hosts Canada. This final match in New York serves as their ultimate test before they head to Mexico City to tackle Group K.

Team News

The Netherlands have integrated Memphis Depay and Jurrien Timber back into the fold after overcoming fitness concerns. However, Ronald Koeman remains without Jerdy Schouten, Matthijs de Ligt, Xavi Simons, Stefan de Vrij, and Jeremie Frimpong. Denzel Dumfries is expected to return to the starting lineup on the right side after serving a suspension, replacing Mats Wieffer.

Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro is expected to lean on a disciplined five-man defensive unit. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov will anchor the backline, while the team's European-based contingent is completed by Abbosbek Fayzullaev and all-time leading goalscorer Eldor Shomurodov, who leads the attack.
Predicted Lineups

Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay

Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:
Nematov; Abdullaev, Khusanov, Ashurmatov; Saifiev, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Nasrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov

Match Prediction: Netherlands 2-0 Uzbekistan

While Uzbekistan have shown disciplined defensive structure under Cannavaro, they struggled to create clear attacking threats against high-pressing opposition in their previous game. The Netherlands possess significant attacking depth and will be highly motivated to correct their finishing issues following the frustration against Algeria. Expect rotation from both managers as they protect key players, but the Dutch quality should pull them through safely.