The Netherlands national football team travels to Belgrade to face Serbia in a UEFA Nations League League A Group 2 fixture on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Both teams enter the matchday searching for their first win of the group stage following challenging openers earlier in the week.
Netherlands Look to Build on Late Germany Draw
Under new manager Xavi, who took charge following Ronald Koeman’s departure, the Dutch side began their Nations League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead in the first half, but Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo salvaged a point for Oranje with a stoppage-time equaliser.
The Dutch squad faced several roster changes ahead of the trip to Belgrade. Forward Brian Brobbey suffered a hamstring injury during the Germany match and was replaced by Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee. Midfielder Gjivai Zechiël departed the squad to join the Netherlands Under-21 team for a European Championship qualifier against Norway. In addition, Jeremie Frimpong was left off the active matchday roster to comply with UEFA regulations limiting squads to 23 players.
Serbia Seeking Recovery After Greece Disappointment
Serbia enters Sunday’s match attempting to reverse a difficult stretch of form. Head coach Veljko Paunovic has overseen three consecutive defeats, including friendly losses to Cape Verde and Mexico earlier this summer, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Greece in their group opener.
Andrija Živković gave Serbia an early fourth-minute lead against Greece at the Rajko Mitić Stadium, but second-half goals from Christos Tzolis and Anastasios Douvikas turned the match in favor of the visitors. The defeat extended Serbia’s run without a clean sheet to ten consecutive matches.
Squad Availability and Projected Lineups
Both managers face selection adjustments due to injuries and squad restrictions before kickoff in Belgrade.
Key Team News
- Netherlands: Brian Brobbey is ruled out with a hamstring strain, paving the way for Joshua Zirkzee to join the group. Jeremie Frimpong misses out due to UEFA’s 23-player squad limit, while young forward Mexx Meerdink remains in contention.
- Serbia: Besiktas striker Dušan Vlahović remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Mihailo Ivanović is also unavailable. Experienced attackers Luka Jović and Dušan Tadić are expected to carry the attacking load.
Possible Starting XI
- Serbia: Vanja Milinković-Savić; Nedeljković, Babić, Pavlović, Terzić; Gudelj, Lukić; Živković, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Stanković; Joveljić.
- Netherlands: Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven; Ryan Gravenberch, Joey Veerman, Tijjani Reijnders; Crysenio Summerville, Mexx Meerdink, Cody Gakpo.
Polish official Szymon Marciniak will referee the match at the Rajko Mitić Stadium.
