The Netherlands are all set to take on Morocco in their round of 32 knockout fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup early Tuesday morning in Monterrey.
The Dutch finished unbeaten in Group F, bouncing back from an opening day 2-2 draw with Japan to beat both Sweden and Tunisia convincingly. They scored 10 goals and conceded thrice in the group stage.
Ronald Koeman’s side remain the most successful team to have never won the World Cup, finishing as runners-up on three occasions – most recently the 2010 final when they lost to Spain.
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They take on a Morocco side who have been impressive in the group stage, finishing level on points (7) with Brazil in Group C. The African side are unbeaten as well, sharing the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate against the Selecao, before beating Scotland and Haiti.
Morocco are looking to replicate their heroics from the 2022 edition, where they became the first African side to reach the semis of the tournament.
The Atlas Lions beat Haiti 4-2 in their final group game, one that saw them create history on different counts. This marked their first ever comeback win in a World Cup match, as well as the first time they have scored four goals in a game in the tournament.
Both these teams possess enough quality to make it through to the last 16, though with only one team able to progress we can expect fireworks in this mouthwatering encounter.
Will the Dutch finally make it all the way in this year’s edition, or can Morocco continue their impressive run and topple the European heavyweights? Here is our predicted outcome of the match.
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What time does Netherlands vs Morocco start?
The game kicks off at 2AM E.A.T at the Estadio BBVA
Netherlands vs Morocco team news
Jurrien Timber remains the only absentee for the Dutch, with Denzel Dumfries and Tottenham’s Micky Van de Ven starting on opposite flanks in defense.
Nathan Ake started the last group game against Tunisia but may have to settle for a place on the bench here. Koeman is expected to field his strongest available XI for this knockout fixture.
The midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Tijani Reijnders and Frenkie De Jong will remain unchanged.
Brian Brobbey has scored three goals in the tournament so far and he will lead the attacking line as he seeks to add to his tally.
As for Morocco, there is no change expected from the starting XI who featured in the first two group games against Brazil and Scotland.
Captain Achraf Hakimi had a goal and an assist in the comeback victory over Haiti and will lead his side in what could be yet another historic fixture at the global stage.
Ismail Saibari has scored in every game he has played in this World Cup and will hope to continue his exploits here.
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Netherlands vs Morocco head-to-head and current form
The Dutch are seeking a third consecutive win here, after winning their last two group games. They have now lost just once in their last five matches, a 1-0 friendly defeat to year another North African team Algeria in a pre-tournament friendly.
They face a Moroccan side who have not lost in their last eight games, since their controversial AFCON final defeat to Senegal. They too are seeking a third consecutive win here.
The last time these two sides met in 2017, Oranje were 2-1 winners and have only ever lost to Morocco once in their history.
Current form:
Netherlands – WWDWL
Morocco – WWDDW
Netherlands vs Morocco previous games
- Morocco 1-2 Netherlands (May 31, 2017)
- Netherlands 1-2 Morocco (April 28, 1999)
- Morocco 1-2 Netherlands (June 29, 1994)
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Netherlands vs Morocco prediction
The Dutch have slightly more attacking quality and greater squad depth, but this could easily go beyond 90 minutes.
Knockout football is often cautious, and both teams are defensively well organized. Many analysts expect a tight encounter with few clear-cut chances.
However, they both have shown they are capable of scoring freely in the competition and we can expect goals from either side.
Prediction – Both teams to score
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