Two of the most consistent teams from the group stage are set to clash in the early hours of Tuesday as the Netherlands and Morocco face off at Estadio Monterrey in the World Cup last 32. The prize for the winner will be a place in the round of 16 and a meeting with either Brazil or Japan.
Both teams concluded their group campaigns with seven points each — the Netherlands topped Group F, while Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference. The Dutch have remained unbeaten in regular and extra time in World Cup matches since their 2010 final defeat to Spain, extending their run to 15 games.
Morocco, on the other hand, arrive with an extraordinary 32-match unbeaten streak. After reaching the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, they have once again proven their credentials among the world's elite. This fixture stands out as one of the most anticipated encounters of the last 32. The only previous competitive meeting between the sides came at the 1994 World Cup, where the Netherlands triumphed 2–1.
Date: Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Kick-off: 02:00 BST
Venue: Estadio Monterrey
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
Last meeting: Netherlands 2–1 Morocco, May 2017 (Friendly)
Ronald Koeman’s squad has received a timely fitness boost, with Denzel Dumfries and Brian Brobbey both declared fit after minor injuries during the group stage. The only alteration from the side that defeated Tunisia sees Micky van de Ven return at left-back in place of Nathan Ake, restoring the Tottenham Hotspur defender’s speed and strength to the back line.
Brobbey continues to lead the attack, with Memphis Depay, Justin Kluivert, and Crysencio Summerville available from the bench. Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, and Ryan Gravenberch maintain their positions in midfield, while Virgil van Dijk captains the side.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi enters the match with a fully fit squad and makes several changes from the rotated team that faced Haiti. Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Azzedine Ounahi return to the starting lineup, with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz continuing in their familiar roles.
Ismael Saibari once again leads the line after scoring in all three of Morocco’s group matches — becoming the first African player to score in his nation’s opening three World Cup group games. Bilal El Khannouss and Neil El Aynaoui also retain their starting roles.
Koeman’s men have been among the most effective attacking sides in the group stage, netting ten goals across three matches. After an opening 2–2 draw with Japan, where they let slip a late lead, the Dutch found form with a dominant 5–1 win over Sweden followed by a 3–1 victory against Tunisia to top Group F.
Brobbey’s introduction against Sweden proved pivotal, his strength and link-up play allowing Gakpo, Reijnders, and Malen to exploit space effectively. However, defensive concerns persist as the Netherlands have yet to keep a clean sheet in this tournament and have conceded in each of their last seven games.
Morocco have been one of the standout stories of the tournament. Their 1–1 draw with Brazil on the opening matchday showcased disciplined defending and slick counter-attacks. They controlled large periods of play and only conceded to a moment of individual brilliance from Vinicius Junior.
Subsequent wins over Scotland (1–0) and Haiti (4–2) followed, with Ouahbi rotating his squad in the latter to rest key players. Saibari has been Morocco’s key man, while Ayyoub Bouaddi’s midfield performance against Brazil earned widespread plaudits. The team enters this match unbeaten in 32 consecutive fixtures.
Netherlands predicted XI (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo
Morocco predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on ITV1 and will also be available for streaming on ITVX.
