Nations League kicks off: Netherlands vs Germany at Johan Cruyff Arena

The 2026–27 UEFA Nations League officially kicks off on 24 September 2026, and the opening matchday brings one of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures: Netherlands vs Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

Both nations begin a fresh cycle after their bitter exits in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Netherlands are led by Spanish legend Xavi Hernandez, whose brief is to restore a dominant tactical approach and attractive football, while Germany are under Jürgen Klopp, expected to bring his trademark energy and aggressive pressing to the national side.

The rivalry has produced close contests in recent years. In the last five meetings, Germany recorded two wins (1-0 in October 2024 in the Nations League and 2-1 in a friendly in March 2024), Netherlands one win of 4-2 in 2019 in European qualifiers, and two matches finished level (2-2 in September 2024 and 1-1 in March 2022).

Teams and other fixtures

Klopp has named several less familiar faces in his Germany squad, including Nik Voltemade, Dery Shernhant, Filip Troj and Nathaniel Brown. Xavi Hernandez has also refreshed the Dutch side, introducing full-backs Jorel Hato and Jan Paul van Hecke while relying on captain Virgil van Dijk to marshal the center of defence.

Another high-profile match in League A is at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, where reigning champions Portugal host Wales in Group A4. Portugal start a new era under Jorge Jesus and have recalled 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who is chasing the 1000-goal milestone in his career. Wales, coached by Craig Bellamy, arrive with injury problems that include Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon.

Other notable pairings for the opening day include Norway vs Denmark in a tight Scandinavian derby and Serbia vs Greece, with Serbia expecting strong home support in Belgrade. In League B, Austria host Israel in Group 3 while Kosovo welcome the Republic of Ireland. Two matches in League D complete the card: Andorra vs Malta (18:00) and Liechtenstein vs Lithuania (20:45).

Matches for today (kick-off local times):
A League of Nations – 20:45
Netherlands – Germany
Norway – Denmark
Portugal – Wales
Serbia – Greece
B League of Nations – 20:45
Austria – Israel
Kosovo – Republic of Ireland
D League of Nations
Andorra – Malta (18:00)
Liechtenstein – Lithuania (20:45)

Photo: press material from the event