The Netherlands will look to build on a strong start to their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign when they host group minnows Malta at the Euroborg Stadium in Groningen on Tuesday night. Having brushed past Finland in their opening fixture, Ronald Koeman’s side now return home to face an opponent they’ve historically dominated, and the expectation is nothing less than another convincing win.
The Oranje are back on track. After enduring a turbulent Nations League exit earlier this year, bowing out on penalties to Spain, the Netherlands needed a steadying result. That came in Helsinki over the weekend, where a professional 2-0 victory over Finland signalled a much-needed course correction. Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries were on the scoresheet, but more importantly, Koeman’s side looked composed, efficient, and sharp—qualities that had been missing for some time.
That win snapped a five-game winless run across all competitions and marked a vital first step in a group that includes Poland, Finland, Lithuania, and Tuesday’s visitors, Malta. With just one World Cup missed since 2002, expectations remain high that the Dutch will cruise through qualifying. A fixture against the lowest-ranked side in Group G provides the perfect platform to build rhythm and assert dominance.
And history is firmly on their side. The Netherlands have faced Malta six times in the past and won every encounter without conceding a single goal. In fact, they’ve scored four or more goals in five of those meetings, including a 4-0 win in their last clash back in 1995. Add to that the fact that Koeman’s men are unbeaten in their last eight home matches (W6, D2), and the signs point toward another one-sided affair.
For Malta, this match is less about victory and more about survival and progress. Head coach Emilio De Leo has instilled a sense of structure in recent months, but his side remains outmatched at this level. Coming into Tuesday’s game, Malta sit bottom of Group G with one point from three matches and, perhaps more worryingly, have failed to score in any of those outings.
Their qualifying campaign opened with narrow losses to Finland (1-0) and Poland (2-0), and while Saturday’s goalless draw with Lithuania offered a defensive positive, it also highlighted the team’s attacking limitations. Malta have now gone four consecutive matches without finding the net.
Still, there are signs of incremental progress. They finished second in their Nations League group and have earned a spot in the promotion/relegation playoff against Luxembourg next March. But that success has yet to translate into meaningful moments at the World Cup qualifying level.
Facing the Netherlands on their home turf, with speed, depth, and firepower all across the pitch, presents an enormous task. Malta will likely set up in a low block, aiming to frustrate and limit damage, rather than spring any surprises. The goal? Compete with pride, defend resolutely, and perhaps snatch a rare goal.
The Netherlands approach their second World Cup 2026 qualifier with a number of notable absentees. Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten, Joey Veerman, Kenneth Taylor, Brian Brobbey, and Joshua Zirkzee have all been left out of the squad due to a combination of injuries and tactical selection decisions by manager Ronald Koeman. Their absence continues a trend of the Oranje managing a transitional squad, with several key players either unfit or still regaining rhythm.
Koeman could shuffle his backline slightly for the Malta fixture. Stefan de Vrij, who featured as a second-half substitute against Finland, is expected to start in central defence alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, forming an experienced duo to anchor the back four. Up front, Memphis Depay will retain his place as the focal point of the attack after netting his 48th goal for the national team in the 2-0 win over Finland, leaving him just two goals shy of Robin van Persie’s all-time scoring record for the Netherlands.
The Dutch are likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation, with Bart Verbruggen set to start in goal. The back four should include Denzel Dumfries at right-back, Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk in the central roles, and Nathan Aké operating from left-back, offering defensive cover as well as support in possession.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong will anchor the trio with his usual composure and vision, while Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to offer mobility, ball progression, and late runs into the attacking third. This combination provides a blend of technical excellence and physical presence.
Up front, Memphis Depay will lead the line as the central striker, flanked by Liverpool duo Jeremie Frimpong on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left. With pace, creativity, and directness on both wings, Koeman will be expecting a fluent attacking performance against a defensively minded Malta side. The front three’s movement and interchange will be crucial in unlocking what is likely to be a low defensive block.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo
Malta will be without Ilyas Chouaref for Tuesday’s daunting trip to Groningen, as the FC Sion forward continues to serve a two-match suspension. His absence limits Malta’s attacking options, especially in transitions where his pace and dribbling would have been valuable. However, there is some good news for head coach Emilio De Leo: defenders Gabriel Mentz and Kurt Shaw are both back from suspension and available for selection, adding experience and much-needed depth to the backline.
A lot of attention will be on James Carragher, son of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who is expected to start in a central defensive role. The 22-year-old faces a stern test as he lines up against a fluid Dutch attack. Carragher is likely to be flanked by Kurt Shaw and Zach Muscat in a back three that will be tasked with holding a compact shape and absorbing waves of pressure from the hosts.
Malta are expected to set up in a pragmatic 3-5-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and compactness in midfield. Henry Bonello will start in goal, protected by a central defensive trio comprising Kurt Shaw, James Carragher, and Zach Muscat. The wing-back roles will be occupied by Joseph Mbong on the right and Ryan Camenzuli on the left, both of whom will have defensive responsibilities first, with limited license to push forward.
In central midfield, Matthew Guillaumier, Teddy Teuma, and Alexander Satariano will form the core unit. Guillaumier will likely operate in a deeper role, attempting to break up Dutch attacks and distribute quickly on the counter, while Teuma offers creativity and composure in tight spaces. Satariano brings energy and will be expected to shuttle between the lines to help relieve pressure and carry the ball forward when possible.
Up front, Jodi Jones and Paul Mbong are expected to lead the line. Both forwards will need to be extremely efficient with the few chances that may come their way, as Malta are unlikely to see much of the ball. Their success will depend heavily on quick transitions and exploiting any lapses in the Dutch high line.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Bonello; Shaw, Carragher, Muscat; J.Mbong, Guillaumier, Teuma, Satariano, Camenzuli; Jones, P.Mbong
As the Netherlands return home to face Malta in their second World Cup 2026 qualifier, Cody Gakpo stands out as the player most likely to make the difference in Groningen. After a confident display in the 2-0 win over Finland, where he provided a constant attacking threat, Gakpo will be expected to take centre stage once again against the group’s lowest-ranked side.
The Liverpool winger offers the kind of versatility and flair that Malta’s defence will struggle to contain. Operating from the left in Ronald Koeman’s 4-3-3 system, Gakpo has the ability to cut inside on his stronger right foot, combine with Memphis Depay, and exploit space behind a deep defensive line. Given Malta’s expected compact shape and lack of pace at the back, his sharp movement and quick feet could be crucial in unlocking their rearguard. Ask Brighton and Hove Albion if that is true.
Gakpo’s international record speaks volumes: 15 goals in 39 appearances, including three at Euro 2024 and consistent contributions throughout the last two major qualifying campaigns. His performances in major tournaments have proven he thrives against both top-tier and lower-ranked sides, and Malta, who have failed to score in their last four outings, are unlikely to pose much of a threat going the other way.
With the Dutch looking to boost both confidence and goal difference, this is the type of fixture where Gakpo’s directness, composure in front of the goal, and creativity could result in a standout performance. He may not always grab the headlines, but in matches like these, Cody Gakpo is often the quiet architect of a dominant Oranje display.
The Netherlands will be firm favourites and should take control from the outset. With a packed home crowd and a clear opportunity to improve their goal difference, expect Koeman to go for a confident, attacking display. Malta’s compact approach may hold for a while, but the gulf in quality should ultimately tell.
