Netherlands Schedule Norway and Ecuador Friendlies Ahead of World Cup

The Netherlands National Team

The Netherlands to face Norway and Ecuador in March warm-up games, preparing for World Cup Group F clash with Japan, Tunisia, and playoff winner.

“In March we get to play competitive and quality opponents with differing playing styles and it helps us in the steps we want...”

The Netherlands have arranged friendly matches against Norway and Ecuador in March as part of their World Cup preparations. These games come after the Dutch were drawn in Group F, alongside Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the European playoff.

The European playoff involves Albania, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine, with the winner securing a spot in the Netherlands' group. The friendlies against Norway and Ecuador will give the team valuable warm-up experience ahead of the tournament.

The Netherlands is set to face Norway on March 27th and Ecuador on March 31st as part of their World Cup warm-up games. Both matches will be held in the Netherlands, with venues yet to be confirmed. Coach Ronald Koeman is pleased with the selection, stating, “It was our wish to have a European and South American opponent in the lead-up to the World Cup,” highlighting the team's focus on preparing for the tournament.

“In March we get to play competitive and quality opponents with differing playing styles and it helps us in the steps we want to take in the direction of the World Cup,” said coach Ronald Koeman in a statement.

OFFICIAL: Oranje plays Norway 🇳🇴 and Ecuador 🇪🇨 in March while building towards the #FIFAWorldCup!#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/wAwWsSEIht

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) December 8, 2025

The World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US, is just a few months away, kicking off in June. The Netherlands will be looking to make a strong impression in their Group F matches against Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the European playoff.