Netherlands vs Malta, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

Netherlands vs Malta Match Prediction & Analysis

The Netherlands, fresh off a 2-0 victory against Finland, continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by hosting Malta at the Euroborg Stadium in Groningen. The Oranje are aiming to maintain their perfect record and build on their positive start in Group G. They are currently fourth, but with a game in hand due to their Nations League quarter-final participation in March.

Malta, in contrast, sits at the bottom of Group G with just one point from three matches, secured in a goalless draw with Lithuania. The visitors face a formidable challenge against a Dutch side that is unbeaten in their last eight home games and consistently scores multiple goals. The Netherlands, a European elite, are strong favorites against Malta, an underdog with a history of struggling away from home.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Netherlands Preview

The Netherlands, recovering from a penalty shootout defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, have now fully turned their attention to World Cup 2026 qualifying. 

They began their campaign strongly with a 2-0 away victory over Finland, thanks to goals from Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries. This win ended a five-game winless run, and the Oranje are confident, having qualified for four of the last five World Cups.

Ronald Koeman's side boasts a perfect record against Malta, winning all six previous encounters without conceding and scoring at least four goals in five of those matches. With key players like Depay in form, the Netherlands are expected to dominate. 

While some rotation is possible due to Malta's lower ranking, the hosts are determined to extend their impressive home record, which includes six wins and two draws in their last eight internationals. They remain unbeaten in their last 10 World Cup qualifiers. 

Netherlands Probable Starting Lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Frimpong, Gakpo, Depay

Malta Preview

Malta, one of Europe's weakest national teams, enters their World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands after securing their first point in Group G with a 0-0 home draw against Lithuania. 

This defensive performance was a rare positive for Maltese fans, but their offensive capabilities remain limited, having failed to score in their last four matches overall.

Despite a respectable showing in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, where they finished second in their group, Malta faces a monumental task against the Netherlands. They've lost their initial qualifiers to Finland and Poland, and their historical record against the Dutch is dire: six losses in six meetings, with zero goals scored and 28 conceded. 

Emilio De Leo's side will likely prioritize a strong defensive setup, with the return of Gabriel Mentz and Kurt Shaw boosting their backline, including James Carragher. However, without suspended forward Ilyas Chouaref and facing a superior opponent, Malta's primary goal will be to minimize the damage. 

Malta Probable Starting Lineup: Bonello; Shaw, Carragher, Muscat; J.Mbong, Guillaumier, Teuma, Satariano, Camenzuli; Jones, P.Mbong

NETHERLANDS vs MALTA
Winning Prediction

The Netherlands are overwhelming favorites against Malta. Coming off a 2-0 win over Finland, the Oranje will seek a dominant performance to boost goal difference. Malta has never scored a goal against the Netherlands in six previous meetings, with the Dutch consistently winning by large margins. Expect a comfortable, high-scoring victory for the Netherlands, likely around 3-0 or 4-0, with Malta struggling to find the net.

Netherlands to Win (3-0)

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