Netherlands lock in top seeding as Xavi Simons steps up recovery

The Netherlands have secured Pot 1 status for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw with two Nations League group matches still to play. Their protected position means they cannot be drawn alongside the other top-seeded countries during the qualification campaign.

Oranje collected eight points from their first four matches under head coach Xavi Hernández, beating Serbia twice and drawing with Germany and Greece. They lead their Nations League group alongside Greece, with Germany on five points and Serbia yet to register a point. The eight-point advantage over Serbia guarantees the Netherlands a top-three finish, which is enough to secure Pot 1 status.

England, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece have also guaranteed top seeding. The Netherlands will therefore avoid those teams in the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, scheduled to take place in Belfast on 6 December. Their immediate Nations League objective remains unresolved: Oranje must finish in the top two to reach the quarter-finals, with home games against Greece on 13 November and Germany three days later.

There was also an encouraging fitness update from Xavi Simons. The 23-year-old posted an Instagram image wearing football boots as he continues his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered against Wolverhampton Wanderers in late April. Simons underwent surgery in early May and has since returned to the pitch for running exercises, although no date has been given for his Tottenham comeback.