Malta vs Netherlands: Match Preview and Prediction

October 9, 2025 21:45. Ta' Qali
2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Malta vs Netherlands: Bookmakers' Odds

Malta

In their previous six meetings, Malta have consistently lost to the Netherlands, conceding an average of five goals per game. The last meeting in March even ended in an 8-0 defeat for Malta, with three goals scored in just the first 20 minutes.

Emilio De Leo's team have so far only earned two points from two matches against Lithuania, drawing. Malta beat San Marino 3-1 in a friendly last month, but the match against Oranje will undoubtedly be a serious test for the Reds.

In good news for Malta, experienced midfielders Teddy Teuma (Reims) and Mathieu Guillaume, who have served their suspensions, are back. However, Jake Azzopardi was ruled out of the squad after being sent off against Lithuania. Saint-Etienne striker Irwin Cardona is expected to lead the line, supported by the Mbong brothers.

"We have started our journey. We are facing difficulties, but that is how we grow. Our aim is to keep the momentum going, learn from our mistakes and not repeat them. We want to stay true to ourselves, enjoy the game and build our own identity.

The result of the first match against the Netherlands was negative - it was like a slap in the face and it hurt. But it helped us in the following games, where we showed that we had improved. The mistakes in that match were tactical, but I prefer to focus on our strengths and develop them. We need to show courage and faith, knowing that we have top-class players who are learning," said coach Emilio De Leo.

Netherlands

The Netherlands national team is aiming to maintain its lead in Group G of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After a shaky start to the international break in September 2025, Ronald Koeman's side are determined to return to dominance.

Following a 1-1 draw with Poland and a near-embarrassment against Lithuania, the Oranje secured a 3-2 victory thanks to a brace from Memphis Depay, who is now officially the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer with 51 goals for the national team.

The win moved the Netherlands to the top of the table, ahead of Poland on goal difference, with the Poles having played one more match. If the Oranje can pick up six points from this week's games against Malta and Finland, a direct ticket to the World Cup will be all but guaranteed.

However, they will have to do so without Depay - the striker had his passport stolen at a Brazilian airport. As a result, Memphis was unable to fly from Brazil to the Netherlands on time. Ronald Koeman admitted that the incident prevented him from releasing Depay in the starting lineup.

Big names like Matthijs de Ligt, Noah Lang and Sam Stein were not included in the squad this time. Instead, young talents like Quilindshee Hartman (Burnley) and Jeremy Frimpong (Liverpool) were called up.

AZ Alkmaar striker Meks Merdink was called up to the squad due to minor injuries to Depay and Woet Weghorst, but ultimately left the field. Donny Malen, who has scored 10 goals in 27 substitute appearances, could start.

Malta vs. Netherlands: Predicted lineups

Malta: Bonello; Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, J. Borg, Camenzuli; J. Mbong, Teuma, Guillaume, Sattariano; P. Mbong

Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reinders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo

Malta vs. Netherlands: Author's Prediction

The difference in class between the two teams is obvious. The Netherlands should be able to handle this modest opponent even without Memphis Depay. The main thing is not to repeat the mistakes from the game with Lithuania.