Netherlands vs Malta: Expert Preview and Prediction for June 10 Clash

June 10, 2025 | 21:45 CET – Groningen, Netherlands – Euroborg Stadium
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers | Group G | Matchday 4

Netherlands vs Malta

Suspended: Ilyas Chuaaref (Malta)

Injuries: Bart Verbruggen, Justin Bijlow, Jurriën Timber, Jordy Clasie, Quentin Timber (all Netherlands)

Netherlands' Campaign Update

The Oranje missed the opening rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March due to their involvement in the UEFA Nations League playoffs. Ronald Koeman's squad held Spain to draws both home (2-2) and away (3-3) before eventually bowing out on penalties, extending their unbeaten streak to four matches. The Dutch resumed qualifying recently with a commanding 2-0 victory over Finland in Helsinki. Both goals came before halftime, scored by Memphis Depay—who is inching closer to Robin van Persie's all-time Oranje scoring record—and Denzel Dumfries. This win propelled the Netherlands closer to Finland in Group G standings, with two games in hand, and guarantees they will climb to at least second place after the next fixture.

Malta's Journey So Far

Malta, known as the Reds, predictably finished last in their previous World Cup qualifying group but managed a notable 3-0 home victory over Cyprus. Their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign was far less successful, with eight consecutive losses and a heavy goal difference deficit of 2-20. In the UEFA Nations League last autumn, Malta secured second place in their League D trio, trailing Moldova by two points but still holding a chance at promotion via playoffs against Luxembourg next March.

Earlier this year, Malta appointed Italian coach Emilio De Leo, 47, who has experience working under Roberto Mancini and Siniša Mihajlović and even stepped in as Bologna’s head coach during Mihajlović’s illness. De Leo’s tenure began with a 0-1 home defeat to Finland followed by a 0-2 loss away to Poland. Recently, his side secured a goalless draw against Lithuania at home, maintaining a clean sheet but still struggling to find the net in the current qualifiers.

Predicted Lineups: Netherlands vs Malta

Match Prediction

It comes as no surprise that the Netherlands have never dropped points against Malta. Historically, the Oranje have kept clean sheets in all six encounters, with the last meeting back in October 1995 ending in a 4-0 away win for the Dutch. Malta have yet to score in this qualifying campaign, making it likely their drought will continue at Euroborg. With that in mind, a confident and comfortable victory for Ronald Koeman's side seems inevitable. Considering possible squad rotation and some key players resting, expect the Netherlands to claim an emphatic win by a margin of four to five goals.