Lithuania take on the Netherlands in a 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers on Sunday.
Ranked 143rd in the FIFA world rankings, Lithuania need a miracle to end a lengthy winless run against a Netherlands side looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw with Poland.
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Lithuania vs Netherlands – Match preview and team news
Date: 7th September, Sunday
Venue: Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas.
Lithuania team news
Edgaras Jankauskas faces a significant injury crisis ahead of the crucial home fixture against the Netherlands. Several key players have been ruled out, with striker Armandas Kučys still recovering from injury and not expected to return until February. Manfredas Ruzgis broke his leg, while Matas Vareika and Vykintas Slivka are sidelined with hamstring injuries.
Kipras Kažukolovas suffered knee ligament damage just before the squad announcement, forcing Jankauskas to call up FK Sūduva defender Markas Beneta as a late replacement. Pijus Širvys underwent appendicitis surgery, adding to Lithuania’s mounting injury list.
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Following the setbacks, Jankauskas has handed first-time call-ups to promising talents, including 21-year-old midfielder Vaidas Magdušauskas from Banga Gargždai, who has impressed with four goals and two assists in 23 A Lyga appearances this season. Eligijus Jankauskas returns to the squad after excellent form with FA Šiauliai, while defender Vilius Armalas also earns a recall.
The Lithuanian coach acknowledged the challenges facing him ahead of the game. “This time we faced more challenges than ever before, with many injuries, most of them in the final days before the call-up. Some players’ form is also a concern, as they’ve had little playing time with their clubs”.
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Netherlands team news
Koeman was frustrated after the 1-1 draw with Poland, criticising his team: “The disappointment comes through. You know you have to get a second goal to have that peace. This can happen if you don’t get a second”.
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The Dutch coach is expected to field a strong lineup featuring eight Premier League players, including Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Bart Verbruggen, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Reijnder, and Xavi Simons. Though Donyell Malen can get the nod and replace Simons in the match against Lithuania.
FormLithuania: LDDLD
Lithuania will try to avoid a 13th consecutive match without a win against the Netherlands and show some sign of resilience and cause an upset to give their fans a chance to cheer for.
Netherlands: DLWWD
After winning their opening two matches of the qualifying campaign against Finland and Malta, the Netherlands were handed a wake-up call by Poland, who held them to a 1-1 draw.
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Predicted lineups
Lithuania: Gertmonas; Upstas, Girdvainis, Beneta, Tutyskinas; Vorobjovas, Sirgedas, Lasickas, Gineitis, Dolznikov; Paulauskas.
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, De Hecke, Van de Ven; Reijnders, De Jong, Simons; Gakpo, Depay, Malen.
How to watch Lithuania vs Netherlands?
UK fans can watch the match live on beIN SPORTS.
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