Malta Vs Netherlands: Oranje Mission To Secure The Top Of Group G Qualification For The 2026 World Cup

Cody Gakpo, fill the Dutch front line (photo: x @FabrizioRomano)

JAKARTA - The Netherlands will visit Malta's headquarters, Thursday 9 September, with a simple but vital mission: maintaining the top of Group G of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After appearing shaky during the September 2025 international break, Ronald Koeman's team are determined to return to the path of domination.

Having been held to a 1-1 draw by Poland and almost humiliated Lithuania despite a two-goal lead, Oranje finally survived thanks to two Memphis Depay goals which have now officially become the top scorer of all time in the Netherlands with 51 international goals.

The victory keeps the Netherlands at the top of the table, ahead of goal difference over Poland who have played one game more. If Depay and colleagues were able to get six points in two games this week against Malta and Finland then an automatic ticket to the World Cup would almost certainly be held.

Meanwhile, the host Malta is clearly not her equal opponent on paper. In the previous six meetings, they always lost to the Netherlands and conceded on average five goals per game. The last meeting in March even ended in a 0-8 defeat to Malta three goals were created in just the first 20 minutes.

Emilio De Leo's squad currently only collects two points in a two-time draw against Lithuania. They had won 3-1 over San Marino in a test match last month, but facing a Dutch-class team is clearly going to be a tough test for the The Reds.

Ronald Koeman did not hesitate to make a big overhaul. Big names like Matthijs de Ligt, Noa Lang, and Sem Steijn were not called this time. On the other hand, young players like Quilindschy Hartman (Burnley) and Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool) returned to the squad.

AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink was called up for a minor injury from Depay and Wout Weghorst, but eventually had to step down. Donyell Malen who has a record 10 goals from 27 appearances as a substitute has the potential to drop as a starter.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders will most likely play alongside Ryan Gravenberch, while the front trio is filled by Xavi Simons, Malen, and Cody Gakpo.

From the Malta camp, good news came from the return of senior midfielders Teddy Teuma (Reims) and Matthew Guillaumier who were already free from suspension. But Jake Azzopardi was dropped after the red card against Lithuania. Saint- pastienne striker Irvin Cardona is predicted to spearhead with the support of the Mbong brothers.

The Netherlands came to Malta with full superiority and a supportive historical record. With the front lines filled with fast and creative players, it's hard to imagine Malta being able to withstand Oranje's hungry goal attack.

Malta (5-4-1): Bonello; Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, J. Borg, Camenzuli; J. Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Satariano; P. Mbong.

Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo.

Predictions: Malta 0-5 Netherlands.