Netherlands have won all five meetings with Finland since the start of the new millennium. The Finns' sole victory over Holland in 14 attempts remains a 4-1 friendly victory in Helsinki in 1950, losing each of their last five encounters on Dutch soil.
Netherlands vs Finland preview
Can Netherlands move three points closer to World Cup qualification? On Thursday night, Ronald Koeman's team swatted aside group minnows Malta 4-0 in Ta' Qali. Cody Gakpo converted two penalties at Grawnd Nazzjonali, before Tijjani Reijnders added a third and then a stoppage time header from Memphis rubber stamped victory.
This takes the Oranje's points tally up to 13 from five fixtures, only dropping points when Poland visited Rotterdam last month, held to a 1-1 draw. Group G's two front-runners go head-to-head in Warsaw in the next match, likely to be a group decider, so Holland cannot avoid to drop points in Amsterdam here, if they're to travel to Stadion Narodowy three points clear of their hosts.
As for Finland, they've never previously qualified for the World Cup, their sole major tournament appearance coming at Euro 2020, and this daunting fixture is must win to keep their fading hopes alive. The Eagle-owls did surprisingly beat Poland 2-1 in Helsinki in June, but this came after a disastrous draw in Lithuania, also beaten in Chorzów and when the Dutch visited in the summer.
In mid-week, Jacob Friis' side did come from a behind to beat Lithuania at Helsingin Olympiastadion; Benjamin Källman and Adam Markhiyev the scorers. Nevertheless, even with Malta at home their final fixture, Finland appear likely to be forced to settle for third place and elimination. Come Sunday evening in Amsterdam, Netherlands should cruise to victory at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Netherlands vs Finland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 14.
- Netherlands Wins: 11. Draws: 2. Finland Wins: 1.
Netherlands team news
After Jan Paul van Hecke started both September fixtures, Jurriën Timber's exceptional form for Arsenal saw him start against Malta on Thursday, so will he continue to partner Virgil van Dijk?
Interestingly for Liverpool supporters, Ronald Koeman deployed Jeremie Frimpong on the right side of a front three in Ta' Qali, so will he continue to get the nod over Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen?
Lastly, Memphis' brace in Kaunas last month made him Netherlands' all-time record scorer, on target against in mid-week, so will he return up front, after Wout Weghorst got the nod in Malta?
Netherlands predicted lineup vs Finland: (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Timber, van Dijk,, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong, Reijnders; Frimpong, Gakpo, Memphis.
Netherlands player to watch vs Finland
Cody Gakpo's two penalties at Grawnd Nazzjonali takes his tally to 17 international goals, eight of which have come since June 2024, so can he add to his tally at Johan Cruijff Arena?
Finland team news
With long-serving captain Lukáš Hradecký injured, Celtic's Viljami Sinisalo started against Lithuania on Thursday, set to earn just his sixth cap in goal.
Speaking of Scottish clubs, Rangers' Oliver Antman will keep his place in attack, potentially once again chosen over Topi Keskinen of Aberdeen. Lastly, midfielder Adam Markhiyev picked up an injury after scoring in mid-week, so expirenced veteran Robin Lod could come into midfield.
Finland predicted lineup vs Netherlands: (4-3-3): Sinisalo; Alho, Koski, Ivanov, Lähteenmäki; Lod, Walta, Kairinen; Källman, Antman, Pohjanpalo.
Finland player to watch vs Netherlands
With all-time top-scorer Teemu Pukki a fading force, Joel Pohjanpalo will lead the Finnish attack, looking to add to his 18 international goals, on target against Lithuania and Poland during this campaign to date.
Netherlands vs Finland prediction
As mentioned already, we expect the Netherlands to swat Finland aside, thereby edging three points closer to a World Cup spot at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday: Netherlands 3-0 Finland.
Netherlands vs Finland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Netherlands vs Finland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Netherlands vs Finland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports 1 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Netherlands vs Finland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Netherlands vs Finland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Netherlands vs Finland in World Cup qualification?
Netherlands vs Finland takes place on Sunday 12 October 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).