The Netherlands and Morocco lock horns in a fascinating Round of 32 contest at the 2026 World Cup at Gillette Stadium on June 30.
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands topped Group F with seven points to breeze into the Round of 32. The Oranje swept Sweden and Tunisia aside, winning 5-1 and 3-1 respectively, to put their disappointing 2-2 stalemate with Japan in their group-stage opener behind them.
On the other hand, the Atlas Lions finished second in Group C behind Brazil, also claiming seven points from three games. After a resilient performance in the 1-1 draw with Brazil, they went on to defeat Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2.
Netherlands vs Morocco
Team News
Denzel Dumfries and Brian Brobbey were believed to be carrying slight knocks, making them potential doubts for the Netherlands, but the pair have been passed fit and will therefore be available to face Morocco. Cody Gakpo recently suffered a bereavement, though he is staying with the squad in North America and is determined to help his nation advance into the last 16.
Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi will also thankfully be able to choose from a healthy squad ahead of this exciting knockout contest. There will be changes from the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Haiti, with several key men set to return to the starting XI.
Netherlands vs Morocco
Predicted Lineups
Predicted Netherlands lineup (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven; Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch; Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo
Predicted Morocco lineup (4-2-3-1): Yassine Bono; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari
Netherlands vs Morocco
Odds
Both nations head into this fixture in form. The Netherlands have the edge in qualifying for the next round with 60% odds. Morocco, meanwhile, have been backed to stun the Dutch at 40%.
Following three goals in as many games, including in the 3-1 win over Tunisia last week, Brian Brobbey is considered the favourite to find the back of the net anytime during the game at 27%. Cody Gakpo follows him at 26%. For Morocco, Ismael Saibari has been their talisman, but strangely, the bookmakers are backing Brahim Diaz to score at 17%, followed by Bilal El Khannouss at 13%.
Netherlands vs Morocco
Prediction
This is the standout clash of the Round of 32. It is very difficult to predict, considering both teams have weaknesses that could be exploited.
The Dutch have the more dangerous attack on paper through Gakpo, Brobbey and Malen, but the Atlas Lions are organised, carry real quality through Saibari and Diaz, and are exactly the kind of disciplined side that can grind out wins. If they can reproduce the kind of performance akin to the one in the opening half-hour against Brazil, the African champions can really cause problems for Koeman’s side.
The game very well has the makings to go into extra time and end up with Morocco stunning the Netherlands.
