The Serbia vs Netherlands match is one of the key fixtures in Group A2 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. The two teams meet on Sunday, September 27, at Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade, with both sides looking for their first victory of the campaign.
Serbia began the Nations League with a 2-1 home defeat against Greece, while the Netherlands opened with a 1-1 draw against Germany. UEFA lists the fixture as a Matchday 2 Group A2 encounter, with kickoff scheduled for 18:00 CET.
The game also marks an important stage in the new Netherlands era under head coach Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona manager was appointed to lead the Dutch national team and has spoken about building a team based on intensity, initiative and a new playing philosophy.
Serbia vs Netherlands Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Serbia vs Netherlands |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026/27 |
| League | League A |
| Group | A2 |
| Date | Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| Venue | Stadion Rajko Mitić |
| Location | Belgrade, Serbia |
| Kickoff | 18:00 CET |
| Serbia manager | Veljko Paunović |
| Netherlands manager | Xavi Hernandez |
The match is part of the opening September international window of the 2026/27 Nations League. The group also contains Germany and Greece.
Serbia vs Netherlands: Group A2 Situation
The Netherlands entered Matchday 2 with one point after drawing 1-1 with Germany. Serbia, meanwhile, were beaten by Greece in their opening fixture.
UEFA’s current Group A2 standings show Greece with three points, Germany and the Netherlands with one point each, and Serbia without a point after the opening round.
That makes the Belgrade meeting particularly important for Serbia. A positive result would give the hosts an opportunity to move back into contention, while the Netherlands are seeking their first win under Xavi.
The Nations League schedule also has the two countries meeting again in Amsterdam on October 4.
Serbia Team News
Serbia head into the game after a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Greece.
Andrija Živković scored for Serbia in that match, but Greece equalized before Tasos Douvikas scored a late winner. Serbia therefore need a response against one of the strongest teams in their group.
One of the major talking points is the absence of striker Dušan Vlahović. Reports before the match indicated that the Juventus forward was unavailable because of injury.
That puts additional responsibility on experienced attacking players such as Dušan Tadić and Luka Jović.
Tadić’s experience could be particularly important in a match where Serbia are likely to need periods of patience. Jović can also provide a different option in the penalty area.
Netherlands Team News
The Netherlands arrive in Belgrade after earning a 1-1 draw against Germany in their opening match.
The Dutch fell behind but rescued a point through Cody Gakpo, who scored a late equalizer. That result gave Xavi a positive start to his international management career.
The Netherlands have several attacking options available, although injury concerns have affected the squad.
Reports before kickoff listed Frenkie de Jong, Mats Wieffer and Donyell Malen among the players unavailable, while there were also questions surrounding Jurrien Timber and Brian Brobbey.
Virgil van Dijk remains a major figure for the Netherlands. Xavi confirmed that the Liverpool defender would continue as captain after their discussions before the Nations League campaign.
Serbia vs Netherlands Lineups
The confirmed team news indicates Serbia using a formation built around their midfield and attacking players, while the Netherlands are set up in a 4-3-3 system.
A reported Serbia lineup features Vanja Milinković-Savić in goal, with Nikola Simić, Strahinja Eraković, Strahinja Pavlović and Filip Kostić in defense. Andrija Živković, Nemanja Maksimović, Sergej Milinković-Savić and Saša Lukić are among the midfield options, with Luka Jović and Dušan Tadić providing the attacking threat.
For the Netherlands, Bart Verbruggen is expected in goal, with Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk and Micky van de Ven among the defensive options. Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders are also important midfield names, while Cody Gakpo is expected to provide an attacking outlet.
Serbia vs Netherlands Head-to-Head
The two national teams have very little history against each other.
According to the match information supplied ahead of the fixture, Serbia and the Netherlands had previously met only once, with the Dutch winning 1-0 at the 2006 World Cup. The 2026 Nations League fixtures therefore represent a rare competitive meeting between the countries.
The October 4 return fixture in Amsterdam will give both teams another opportunity to add to the head-to-head record.
What to Watch in Serbia vs Netherlands
Xavi’s New Netherlands Style
One of the biggest storylines is how quickly the Netherlands can adapt to Xavi’s ideas.
The former Barcelona coach has emphasized intensity and taking the initiative. His first Nations League match produced a 1-1 draw against Germany, but the Netherlands showed enough attacking quality to create opportunities and eventually find an equalizer.
The Serbia match is Xavi’s first away Nations League game as Netherlands manager.
Serbia’s Attack Without Vlahović
Serbia’s attacking options are another major talking point.
Vlahović’s absence removes an important goalscoring option, leaving players such as Tadić and Jović with greater responsibility. Serbia will need to create chances through combinations and midfield support rather than relying on one central striker.
Cody Gakpo’s Role
Gakpo already made an impact in the Netherlands’ opening match by scoring against Germany.
His ability to operate from wide areas and attack the penalty box makes him one of the Netherlands’ important attacking players. Serbia’s defense will need to monitor his movement throughout the match.
Serbia vs Netherlands Where to Watch
The match has different broadcasters depending on the country.
In Serbia, the game is available through RTS coverage, including RTS Planeta. In the Netherlands, NPO 1 is listed as a free viewing option.
For viewers in the United States, FOX Sports carries the match, with FS1 and Fox One listed among the available options. Canadian viewers can use Fubo and DAZN, while beIN Sports has Nations League coverage in Australia.
Broadcast availability can vary by territory, so viewers should check their local listings before kickoff.
Serbia vs Netherlands Kickoff Time
The UEFA Nations League fixture is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 18:00 CET in Belgrade. UEFA’s official fixture list confirms the kickoff time and venue.
For viewers in other regions, the corresponding local time should be checked because the match falls during different time zones.
Serbia vs Netherlands Match Importance
The result could have an important effect on the early Group A2 standings.
Serbia started the campaign with zero points after losing to Greece. The Netherlands collected one point against Germany. A win would therefore give either team a significant boost after only two matchdays.
Germany and Greece are also competing for the top positions in Group A2, meaning every result during this opening sequence can influence the group picture.
The Netherlands will also have to manage a demanding schedule, with Greece and Serbia among their upcoming Nations League opponents before the November fixtures.
Conclusion
The Serbia vs Netherlands Nations League fixture brings together two teams entering different stages of transition. Serbia need to recover from their opening defeat to Greece, while the Netherlands are beginning a new chapter under Xavi Hernandez.
With Vlahović unavailable for Serbia and several Netherlands players dealing with injury concerns, team selection could have a major impact. At the same time, players such as Tadić, Jović, Gakpo and Van Dijk give the match plenty of individual quality.
The fixture is scheduled for September 27 at Stadion Rajko Mitić, with the Netherlands entering the game after their 1-1 draw against Germany and Serbia looking to respond to their 2-1 loss to Greece.
Serbia vs Netherlands FAQs
When is Serbia vs Netherlands?
Serbia vs Netherlands is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026.
What time does Serbia vs Netherlands start?
The match is scheduled to begin at 18:00 CET, according to UEFA’s fixture information.
Where is Serbia vs Netherlands being played?
The match is being played at Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade, Serbia.
What competition is Serbia vs Netherlands in?
Serbia vs Netherlands is a UEFA Nations League 2026/27 League A Group A2 match.
Who is the Netherlands manager?
Xavi Hernandez is the Netherlands head coach. He began his tenure during the 2026/27 Nations League campaign.
Who is the Serbia manager?
Veljko Paunović is the Serbia head coach.
What was the Netherlands’ first Nations League result?
The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany in their opening Group A2 match.
What was Serbia’s first Nations League result?
Serbia lost 2-1 to Greece in their opening Group A2 fixture.
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