Netherlands are top of Group G and would want to consolidate with a win against Malta in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
Softfootball had reported on how the Orange Boys avoided embarrassment in their last match. Netherlands narrowly defeated Lithuania 3-2 in a game Memphis Depay overtook Robin Van Persie as the country’s all-time topscorer with 51 goals.
The Dutch official X handle is all hyped for this encounter against the minnows that they shared a pictured of their players in training looking very focused and ready for the qualifier.
All set for two important World Cup qualifiers. ✔️#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/HAaZz1Kibi
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 8, 2025Interestingly, the Netherlands met Malta earlier in March this year and the Dutch came out 8-0 scoreline in Groningen and would hope for a similar scoreline as they look to pick qualification ticket as group winners.
TEAM NEWS
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman dropped Matthijs de Ligt, Sem Steijn and Noa Lang from the squad to face Malta but there are recalls for Burnley left-back Quilindschy Hartman and Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutch are looking ready and had time for fun in training as captured on their official X handle.
Great save Jeremie 🤣#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/TJIYkd4QZF
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 7, 2025However, Teun Koopmeiners, Jorrel Hato, Crysencio Summerville, Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida all miss out from the team to execute the game.
AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink has withdrawn from the Dutch squad leaving Depay and Wout Weghorst as the strikers to face Malta. This could open up a starting spot for Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen.
Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders are expected to keep their place in the starting line-up.
For Malta, they would rely on the experience of Reims midfielder Teddy Teuma. Matthew Guillaumier is available after serving a one-game ban, while Jake Azzopardi has been dropped. Irvin Cardona, who plays for Saint-Etienne will vie with the Mbong brothers while Notts County’s Jodi Jones is set to start.
Malta probable XI:
Bonello; Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, J. Borg, Camenzuli; J. Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Satariano; P. Mbong.
Netherlands probable XI:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo.
Softfootball prediction
Netherlands are massive favourites for this match and it would be a surprise if a huge scorline is recorded. Malta 0-4 Netherlands.
