The Jürgen Klopp era has officially begun for the German national team. After a string of frustrating performances since the 2014 World Cup triumph, the DFB has brought in the former Liverpool and Dortmund manager to right the ship.
FIFA is experimenting with an extended international window that will give Klopp a full two weeks to tinker with the lineup and test out new players across four matches in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League.
The toughest test comes first in a road match against
famed Spanish and Barcelona midfielder, Xavi, as he settles into his new role as the Dutch manager. Like Germany, the Netherlands exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a frustrating 1-1 draw and elimination by penalty shootout in the Round of 32.
Match Info
Location: Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
Time: 8:45pm CEST (2:45pm EDT)
TV/streaming: ViX, Fox Sports, Find Your Country
Odds: Germany (+170), Draw (+280), Netherlands (+138)
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Team Info
Here is the predicted lineup, courtesy of BFW:
Lineup notes
- Klopp is using “Squad 1” for this friendly, as previously reported here
- There are only two forwards listed per squad, implying that the formation will be closer to Germany’s previous 4-2-3-1 rather than the 4-3-3 that Klopp employed at Liverpool
- Serge Gnabry’s availability will continue to be limited as he works back from injury
Prediction
Germany draws 1-1. With both teams breaking in new managerial styles against a tough opponent, this game will be played mostly in the middle of the pitch. Each side will make a defensive mistake due to poor communication that leads to a goal. Jamal Musiala will be the opportunistic German while Brian Brobbey will give an encore performance to his hat trick against Manchester City.
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