Why will Netherlands play two warm-up games vs Uzbekistan tonight ahead of World Cup?

The Netherlands were eliminated in the quarterfinals during the last World Cup.

With only three days remaining in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all the teams are preparing by playing warm-up matches. The Netherlands. managed by Ronald Koeman, played their first warm-up game against Algeria on June 4, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they suffered a 1-0 loss.

After suffering a disappointing 1-0 loss, Ronald Koeman is keen on giving his side an ultimate chance to gain confidence ahead of the summer tournament. As a result, the Dutch side will face Uzbekistan twice tonight.

Netherlands to play two warm-up matches tonight

Netherlands are set to play two warm-up matches against Uzbekistan on June 8. Ronald Koeman has requested a second match against Uzbekistan after the first, aiming to utilise all 26 of his players.

Revealing the reason behind his decision to play two warm-up matches against Uzbekistan, Koeman wants to use the opportunity of the friendly game as the final dress rehearsal before the World Cup.

Oranje will play their first match with their first team, aiming to make as few changes as possible. Meanwhile, the second match will largely feature the players who are not 100% fit. The two matches will also help the Dutch coach assess the physical and tactical conditions of his players.

“We want to use the first match to make as few changes as possible. We have to wait and see if that works. We are going to play the first match largely with our starting team. It is also good for guys who are not 100% fit who can then play in the second match. That is why we are playing two matches.“

“That ​is why we are playing two matches. We have 26 players and everyone ​gets minutes to play. That’s what you want.”

Uzbekistan, currently managed by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro, lost their first warm-up game against Canada 2-0.

Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup Group

Oranje are drawn in Group F and will open their FIFA World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14. Later, they will lock horns against Sweden on June 20 before playing the final group stage game against Tunisia on June 25.

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