Mats Wieffer Starts Right-Back as Koeman Preps Oranje

Mats Wieffer will line up at right-back for the Netherlands' friendly against Algeria on Wednesday evening. Coach Ronald Koeman also confirmed that Bart Verbruggen will keep the goalkeeper position.

Earlier, the fully fit World Cup squad trained ahead of the farewell match at De Kuip. After the Algeria fixture the side will fly to New York for a training camp and a June 8 friendly against Uzbekistan.

The Netherlands' World Cup campaign kicks off on June 14 in Dallas against Japan. The match marks the team's first competitive appearance after the preparatory friendlies.

Koeman will miss right-backs Denzel Dumfries, who is suspended, and Jurriën Timber, who joins the squad on Thursday. Wieffer earns his 15th cap for the Netherlands, having transitioned from midfield to right-back during the previous season with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Algerian friendly serves as the final test before the New York camp. The squad will aim to fine‑tune tactics ahead of the World Cup opener.