Netherlands vs Uzbekistan Friendly in New York

The Netherlands will play Uzbekistan in an international friendly on Monday, June 8, in New York, marking the final preparatory match for both teams before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins later this week. The match will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. BST at Icahn Stadium. The Netherlands, ranked seventh in the world, are using the fixture to regain form after a series of underwhelming warm-up results, including a draw with Ecuador and a loss to Algeria. Uzbekistan, ranked 50th, are preparing for their historic first appearance at a World Cup finals, though they also enter the match following a recent defeat to Canada.

Both squads are expected to rotate players as they finalize preparations for their respective World Cup campaigns. Key Dutch players like Memphis Depay, who recently overcame fitness concerns to make the squad, and defender Denzel Dumfries are anticipated to feature. Uzbekistan will rely on defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for Manchester City.

The Netherlands, making their 12th World Cup appearance, have been drawn into Group F alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. Uzbekistan, under the management of...