Netherlands vs Malta Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (UEFA)

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The Netherlands played their opening match of qualifying at the weekend and beat Finland so they will be aiming for a maximum of six points from their opening two matches as they face Malta now
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime / US – Disney+
Key stats
- The Netherlands have won all the previous six international matches between these teams without conceding a goal. This is their first meetings since a 4-0 away win for the Dutch in October 1995 (EURO qualifying).
- The Netherlands are unbeaten in their last ten World Cup qualifying matches (W8 D2).
- The Netherlands have kept seven clean sheets in their last ten World Cup qualifying matches.
- Memphis Depay has scored 13 goals in his last nine appearances in World Cup qualifying.
- Malta have won only one of their last 27 World Cup qualifying matches (D4 L22).
Netherlands vs Malta prediction
The Netherlands enter the 2026 qualifying campaign with high hopes and they will be confident of progressing from Group G. They picked up an opening win over Finland and now they face Malta who they will fully expect to beat.
The Netherlands are typically strong in qualifying and have won eight and drawn two of their last ten matches. They also have an outstanding record against Malta having won all six previous meetings against them.
Malta have claimed a point already in this campaign against Lithuania but this is going to be a step too far for them. The Netherlands should outclass them and it is hard to make a case for the visitors even getting on the scoresheet.
Netherlands vs Malta tip: Netherlands to win to nil