Prediction: Netherlands vs Malta

Prediction: Netherlands to win first half and second half

Best Odds: 1/5

Bookmaker: etbet

The Netherlands and Malta will lock horns with each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign this week. The Group G match between Ronald Koeman’s side and Emilio De Leo’s team will be held at Euroborg in Groningen and is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Tuesday.

Netherlands

The Netherlands are a major power in European and world football and have a strong history behind them. The Oranje are expected to qualify for major international competitions with ease and are also backed to win them.

The Dutch have done well in recent years. They reached the semi-finals at UEFA Euro 2024 where they lost to England. The Netherlands finished second in their UEFA Nations League group behind and were also runners-up in the 2018-29 edition of the competition.

The Netherlands are expected to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group G. Ronald Koeman’s side have picked up three points from one match and are three points behind leaders Poland. The Dutch kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.

Team News:

The Netherlands are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Malta. Verbruggen will be in goal for the home team. Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk and Ake will be the four defenders. Gravenberch, De Jong and Reijnders will be the three midfielders. Frimpong, Gakpo and Depay will be the three forwards.

Malta

Malta are one of the smallest European countries and are minnows. They do not qualify for major international competitions and are not expected to ever.

Emilio De Leo’s side are unlikely to have a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. It is hard to see Malta even win a single game in Group G.

Malta are at the foot of Group G at the moment with just one point from three matches. After losing 1-0 to Finland at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on March 21, they went down 2-0 to Poland in Warsaw just three days later. Malta, though, ed a goalless draw with Lithuania at home on June 7.

Team News:

Malta are likely to line up in a 3-5-2 formation. Bonello will be in goal for the visiting team. Shaw, Carragher and Muscat will be the three defenders. J.Mbong, Guillaumier, Teuma, Satariano and Camenzuli will be deployed in midfield. Jones and P. Mbong will be the two forwards.

Key Factors to Consider

• The Netherlands have won their last 2 matches.
• The Netherlands have lost just 1 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
• The Netherlands have drawn 3 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
• Malta have won their last 2 games.
• Malta have lost 1 of their last 6 games.

Conclusion

Malta have one of the weakest teams in the world, and the Netherlands are very likely to pick up all three points from this particular World Cup qualifier courtesy of a very comprehensive win.

Prediction: Netherlands to win first half and second half

Best Odds: 1/5

Bookmaker: etbet