The Dutch national soccer team wrapped up its final training session on Sunday ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Malta on Tuesday, which coincidentally marks the first home qualifier in Groningen in 42 years.
Head coach Ronald Koeman led the squad of 22 players during the workout in Zeist. Notably, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who has recently signed with Manchester City, departed the training camp earlier in the day for a medical assessment at his new club. Defender Jorrel Hato was not present as he joined Jong Oranje for the European Championship in Slovakia.
Fresh off a 2-0 away victory over Finland on Saturday, the Netherlands is gearing up to face Malta, which has had a challenging qualification campaign. Malta managed to secure just one point from a 0-0 draw against Lithuania, following losses to Poland (2-0) and Finland (1-0).
Before the match, Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk are set to address the media on Tuesday at 1:45 p.m. local time. Koeman’s connection to Groningen runs deep; not only did he grow up there, but he also scored his first goal for the national team at Stadion Euroborg in 1983—a venue that boasts a stand named in his honor. Van Dijk similarly shares ties with the city, having made his professional debut with FC Groningen in 2011.
Meanwhile, tensions are escalating in Poland, where a developing situation involves their standout striker Robert Lewandowski. The forward announced his suspension from national team duties, citing a loss of confidence in the coaching staff following a decision to strip him of the captaincy. Koeman criticized this move during a press conference, urging that such conflicts are not conducive to team success.
With Poland currently unbeaten in their qualifiers and positioned firmly in the race, the match outcomes will be pivotal for both teams as they strive to secure their spots for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Dutch side hopes to build on their recent success, while Poland rallies around the challenges they face within their squad dynamics.