The Netherlands will look to strengthen their grip on top spot in Group G when they travel to face Malta in Thursday’s 2026 World Cup Qualifier. Ronald Koeman’s men are currently level on points with Poland but have a game in hand. The match against Malta gives Netherlands a golden opportunity to pull clear in the group with another victory.
After a shaky September campaign, where they dropped points in a 1–1 draw against Poland and nearly threw away a two-goal lead against Lithuania, the Dutch will aim to reassert their dominance. A hard-fought 3–2 win in Kaunas helped restore some calm, but Koeman knows his side must have more control and composure away from home if they are to seal qualification early.
The spotlight once again falls on Memphis Depay, who continues to be a record-breaking figure for the Oranje. His brace in the previous match took him to 51 international goals, making him the all-time leading scorer for the Netherlands. However, he might not start in this match due to ongoing fitness issues.
On the other hand, Malta enter this fixture seeking damage control. They remain bottom of Group G with just two points from five matches. Facing Netherlands will test Malta’s defensive structure to the limit. Malta have lost all six of their previous encounters against the Netherlands, conceding an average of five goals per match.
The gulf in class is obvious between the two sides. The last meeting finished Netherlands 8–0 Malta, and Koeman’s side have kept the goals flowing in qualifiers, scoring 12 goals across their last three. Malta’s back line has struggled against quality opposition. With the Dutch chasing top spot here, they will be relentless in attack. That points strongly to four or more total goals in this match.
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Cody Gakpo looks a strong anytime goalscorer pick at -120 (BetMGM). The Dutch forward has been quietly productive for Liverpool this season with 2 goals and 2 assists in seven Premier League matches. His movement off the left flank often sees him drift into central scoring positions. With the Netherlands dominating Group G and already routing Malta 8–0 earlier in the campaign, Gakpo should find himself in plenty of shooting situations. His sharpness, combined with the Oranje’s attacking setup, makes him a good choice to find the net here.
With Finland still within touching distance and Poland applying pressure from second place, the Netherlands can ill afford complacency. Anything less than a convincing win would be seen as a major setback in their qualifying campaign. Expect Koeman’s side to push for an early lead, using their superior pace and finishing to secure three points and move closer to booking their ticket to North America.
Final Prediction: Malta 0-4 Netherlands
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this clash.
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