The Netherlands national team will play a second, unofficial match against Uzbekistan in New York City following their official friendly on Monday evening, according to Dutch media outlet AD. The initial fixture, a preparation game for both teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is scheduled for 8:45 PM local time.
The second match will be shorter in duration, consisting of two 35-minute halves, and is intended to provide playing time for substitutes from both squads. It will not be open to the public and will not be televised. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman explained that the decision was made to ensure all players receive adequate minutes and to prepare for the conditions expected at the World Cup, citing the heat as a key factor.
This is not the first time the Netherlands have arranged such a fixture. During Euro 2024, they played a friendly against TSV Havelse, a fourth-division German side, following their final group stage match, winning 6-1. Several other national teams, including France, have also employed similar tactics to keep players match fit and provide opportunities for squad rotation.
Koeman, who made wholesale changes during a 1-0 defeat to Algeria on June 3rd, will likely use the second match to give playing time to players such as Robin Roefs, Wout Weghorst, and Quinten Timber. Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro will have the opportunity to assess less familiar players. The Netherlands won the official friendly, but the performance did little to inspire confidence.
This additional match provides a unique opportunity for both coaching staffs to experiment with their squads and assess player fitness levels ahead of the upcoming World Cup tournament. It allows for valuable game time for those not regularly featuring in the starting eleven, potentially impacting final squad selections.
