Malta host the Netherlands in Round 7 of the UEFA World Cup qualifications at Ta’ Qali National Stadium in what looks like a classic mismatch on paper.

Match details

Date and Time: Thursday, October 9 – 19:45 GMT+1
How to Watch: L’Equipe, BeIN Sports MENA, UEFA TV PPV

The Netherlands, top of Group G on goal difference with Poland, are expected to cruise closer to World Cup 2026 qualification. Yet recent wobbles — a draw with Poland and a nervy 3-2 win over Lithuania — have served as a timely warning against complacency.

The state of play

The Dutch: 10 points from 4 games, unbeaten in their last 13 World Cup qualifiers.
Malta: 2 points from 5 games – both from draws with Lithuania.

When these sides last met, the Oranje ran riot in Groningen, humiliating Malta 8-0, with Memphis Depay scoring a brace. But this time, Depay won’t feature — his passport was stolen in Brazil, leaving Ronald Koeman to reshuffle his attack.

Team news

Malta:

Missing Paul Mbong and Zach Muscat through suspension.
Teddy Teuma returns after injury — a massive boost.
Ryan Camenzuli also returns to the fold.
Andrew Borg earns a first call-up after strong domestic form.

Possible starting XI: Bonello; Pepe, Shaw, J. Borg, Camenzuli; J. Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Satariano; P. Mbong

Netherlands:

Depay and Mexx Meerdink both unavailable.
Matthijs de Ligt, Noa Lang, and Sem Steijn dropped.
Jeremie Frimpong and Quilindschy Hartman recalled.
Donyell Malen likely to start up front, supported by Gakpo and Simons.
Van Dijk marshals the defence alongside Van Hecke and Van de Ven.

Possible starting XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen, Gakpo

Form guide

Malta: Winless in qualifying, 12 goals conceded, 1 scored. Their saving grace? Home form — just one defeat in their last eight at Ta’ Qali.
Netherlands: Ruthless up front, 14 goals scored so far, but defensive lapses remain a concern after the Lithuania scare.

What to expect

Koeman’s men should dominate possession and territory from the kick-off, with Malta likely to retreat deep and hope to avoid another pummelling. The Dutch will want a clean, efficient win before hosting Finland in Amsterdam at the weekend.

Safest calls

Netherlands to win by 3+ goals
Both teams NOT to score
Over 3.5 total goals
Donyell Malen to score anytime