One of the highlights of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals is a big showdown when the Netherlands face Morocco – one of the semi-final teams from Qatar-2022 – in Monterrey.
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands were electric at times in the group stage. They crushed Sweden 5-1 when Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey came into the team and shone. The Oranje scored ten goals in three games – but the defence has looked fragile at times, conceding goals in every group game.
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Morocco’s road to Monterrey has been just as spectacular. They navigated a brutal Group C and finished second behind Brazil on goal difference. They impressed against Brazil and have PSG superstar Achraf Hakimi on the right wing, while Bayern Munich striker Ismael Saibari is a threat in attack.
“I’m not sure if we’re favourites against Morocco,” Koeman told the press.
“We have to prepare properly, because it will be a big game. They are a good team with a lot of quality and they can score easily. We have to play well and win – because if you lose, you go home. If you win, you are still in the tournament.
“And of course we will come a long way.
Team news for Netherlands vs Morocco
The Netherlands had concerns about key players Brobbey and Denzel Dumfries, but both have trained and are expected to start. Micky van de Ven is likely to return as a left-back in place of Nathan Aké.
Morocco managed to rotate a bit against Haiti, and are expected to field their strongest team.
Predicted line-ups
Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen – Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven – Gravenberch, F. de Jong, Reijnders – Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo
Morocco (4-3-3): Bono – Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui – El Aynaoui, Bouaddi – Brahim, Ounahi, El Khannouss – Saibari
Key figures for Netherlands vs Morocco
- Morocco have already scored as many goals in the 2026 World Cup as they did in seven games in 2022 (6). They are averaging 16 shots per game in 2026, up from just nine in 2022.
- The Netherlands have progressed from seven of their last ten World Cup knockout matches since 2010 – although three of the last five have gone to penalty shootouts. Their last loss came on penalties against Argentina in the quarter-finals in 2022.
- This is the second time the Netherlands and Morocco have met in the World Cup. The Netherlands won 2–1 in the group stage in 1994 with goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Bryan Roy.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-2 Morocco
Both teams have looked good in the group stage, but the Netherlands’ vulnerability at the back could be decisive. Morocco have shown that they can beat the best – and can surprise again this year.
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