The Jürgen Klopp era has officially begun for the German national team. After a string of frustrating performances since the 2014 World Cup triumph, the DFB has brought in the former Liverpool and Dortmund manager to right the ship.
FIFA is experimenting with an extended international window that will give Klopp a full two weeks to tinker with the lineup and test out new players across four matches in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League.
The toughest test comes first in a road match against famed Spanish and Barcelona midfielder, Xavi, as he settles into his new role as the Dutch manager. Like Germany, the Netherlands exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a frustrating 1-1 draw and elimination by penalty shootout in the Round of 32.
Location: Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
Time: 8:45pm CEST (2:45pm EDT)
Odds: Germany (+170), Draw (+280), Netherlands (+138)
SBN App: Engage with match threads on Bavarian Football Works from your phone with the new SB Nation app. Commenting and interacting with your communities is easier than ever before with the Game Chat feature. The app is available currently in the U.S. on iOS and Android devices.
Here is the predicted lineup, courtesy of BFW:
Germany draws 1-1. With both teams breaking in new managerial styles against a tough opponent, this game will be played mostly in the middle of the pitch. Each side will make a defensive mistake due to poor communication that leads to a goal. Jamal Musiala will be the opportunistic German while Brian Brobbey will give an encore performance to his hat trick against Manchester City.
