The Netherlands will step up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a high-profile friendly against Algeria in Rotterdam, as confirmed by the Royal Dutch Football Association on Monday.
The June 3 encounter will serve as the Dutch team’s official farewell match before departing for the United States, where the tournament will be staged.
After the Rotterdam showdown, the Oranje are expected to play an additional warm-up fixture on American soil ahead of their Group F opener against Japan in Dallas on June 14.
The friendly against Algeria offers the Netherlands a valuable test against fellow World Cup finalists.
The North Africans have been drawn in Group J, where they will face Argentina, Austria and Jordan in what promises to be a competitive pool.
For the Dutch, the clash also presents tactical relevance. Ronald Koeman’s side will face Tunisia—another North African opponent—in Group F, with that fixture scheduled for June 25 in Kansas City.
Playing Algeria could therefore provide useful insight into the style and physical approach often associated with teams from the region.
Before the June 3 send-off, the Netherlands will fine-tune preparations with two additional friendlies this month.
They are set to host Norway in Amsterdam before taking on Ecuador in Eindhoven, giving the coaching crew a final opportunity to assess squad depth, combinations and match fitness.
With expectations high for a strong tournament run, the Dutch will be eager to build momentum and cohesion as they count down to their World Cup campaign in the United States.