Serbia v Netherlands: UEFA Nations League 2026-27 preview, team news and lineups

Serbia will host the Netherlands at the Rajko Mitić Stadium on September 27 in their second group match of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27. Serbia arrive after a 1-2 defeat to Greece, while the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany.

The Eagles conceded two second-half goals after taking an early lead against Greece and manager Veljko Paunović’s side need a tighter defensive display to avoid repeating those errors. The Netherlands scored a last-minute equaliser to salvage a point against Germany, are led by Xavi and will travel to Belgrade; the preview assesses the Dutch squad as having better quality and therefore facing less pressure. This fixture represents Serbia’s second group-stage match and the Oranje will seek to establish control from the start.

Andrija Živković was Serbia’s sole goalscorer in the previous outing, putting his side ahead in just under five minutes. The report notes the 30-year-old’s ability to influence midfield and contribute in the final third. His form will be central to Serbia recovering from the loss to Greece.

Cody Gakpo provided the crucial equaliser for the Netherlands against Germany and is expected to operate from the left flank. The preview describes him as a constant threat to opposition defences and refers to the Liverpool star’s role in the attacking phase. Gakpo’s positioning and finishing will be key to the Dutch plan.

All members of Serbia’s squad are listed as fit and available for selection. For the Netherlands, Brian Brobbey suffered an injury in the previous outing and Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United has been called up to replace the Sunderland striker. The announcement included: "Get well soon, Brian 🧡Joshua Zirkzee replaces the striker in our squad. ℹ️ pic.twitter.com/Jaan54ONFp"

The projected starting lineups provided in the preview list Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (GK); Simic, Erakovic, Pavlovic, Kostic; Zivkovic, Maksimovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Cvetkovic; Jovic, Tadic for Serbia. The Netherlands’ listed XI is Verbruggen (GK); Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Timber; Summerville, Reijnders, Gakpo; Zirkzee. The preview concludes that Serbia must avoid defensive mistakes at home while the Netherlands, with the perceived stronger squad, are given a slight edge and Xavi’s men are likely to come out on top and secure three points.

The match is scheduled for September 27 at the Rajko Mitić Stadium. Broadcast arrangements cited in the preview list Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV for India; RTS Serbia and Arena Sport for Serbia; and FOX Sports, FuboTV and ViX for the USA.