Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match.
With a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands have the chance to assess their current squad, which now includes several promising young talents. Despite facing Malta, the Netherlands are unlikely to field a completely second-string squad, as goal difference could still have an impact in the qualification standings.
Netherlands
On Saturday, the Netherlands put in a confident display against Finland, earning a 2:0 win with early goals from Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries. Over the 90 minutes, the squad produced 2.06 xG and dominated the shot count (17-6). After half-time, the coaching staff introduced several substitutes. In Groningen, players such as Xavi Simons, Noa Lang, Justin Kluivert, Mats Wieffer and Jorrel Hato are all expected to feature prominently — each of them could bring added energy to the starting line-up.
Malta
Expectations for Malta were modest entering this qualification campaign, although their narrow defeats to Finland (0:1) and Poland (0:2) highlighted the team’s ability to remain compact in defence. However, a goalless draw with Lithuania, a side not recognised for attacking flair, suggested that the squad could have offered more going forward. Their opponents were marginally more dangerous in attack, posting 0.35 xG compared to Malta’s 0.14 and leading 2-1 in shots on target. The only notable figure in the squad is Teddy Teuma, a midfielder from Stade de Reims, but he alone is unlikely to cause problems for such a high-calibre opponent.
Netherlands vs Malta Prediction
Since the beginning of September, the Netherlands have netted 13 goals in four home fixtures. Against Malta, their attacking advantage is likely to be apparent from the opening whistle.
