Malta host the Netherlands in Round 7 of the UEFA World Cup qualifications at Ta’ Qali National Stadium in what looks like a classic mismatch on paper.
Match details
- Date and Time: Thursday, October 9 – 19:45 GMT+1
- How to Watch: L’Equipe, BeIN Sports MENA, UEFA TV PPV
The Netherlands, top of Group G on goal difference with Poland, are expected to cruise closer to World Cup 2026 qualification. Yet recent wobbles — a draw with Poland and a nervy 3-2 win over Lithuania — have served as a timely warning against complacency.
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The state of play
- The Dutch: 10 points from 4 games, unbeaten in their last 13 World Cup qualifiers.
- Malta: 2 points from 5 games – both from draws with Lithuania.
When these sides last met, the Oranje ran riot in Groningen, humiliating Malta 8-0, with Memphis Depay scoring a brace. But this time, Depay won’t feature — his passport was stolen in Brazil, leaving Ronald Koeman to reshuffle his attack.
Team news
Malta:
- Missing Paul Mbong and Zach Muscat through suspension.
- Teddy Teuma returns after injury — a massive boost.
- Ryan Camenzuli also returns to the fold.
- Andrew Borg earns a first call-up after strong domestic form.
Possible starting XI: Bonello; Pepe, Shaw, J. Borg, Camenzuli; J. Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Satariano; P. Mbong
Netherlands:
- Depay and Mexx Meerdink both unavailable.
- Matthijs de Ligt, Noa Lang, and Sem Steijn dropped.
- Jeremie Frimpong and Quilindschy Hartman recalled.
- Donyell Malen likely to start up front, supported by Gakpo and Simons.
- Van Dijk marshals the defence alongside Van Hecke and Van de Ven.
Possible starting XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo
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Form guide
- Malta: Winless in qualifying, 12 goals conceded, 1 scored. Their saving grace? Home form — just one defeat in their last eight at Ta’ Qali.
- Netherlands: Ruthless up front, 14 goals scored so far, but defensive lapses remain a concern after the Lithuania scare.
What to expect
Koeman’s men should dominate possession and territory from the kick-off, with Malta likely to retreat deep and hope to avoid another pummelling. The Dutch will want a clean, efficient win before hosting Finland in Amsterdam at the weekend.
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Safest calls
- Netherlands to win by 3+ goals
- Both teams NOT to score
- Over 3.5 total goals
- Donyell Malen to score anytime
