Mansion Sports – The stage is set for a compelling encounter at the National Stadium Ta’ Qali, where Malta national football team will host Netherlands national football team in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group G fixture. The match is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 20:45 local time.

For the Netherlands, securing three points is non-negotiable as they aim to maintain their position at the top of Group G and strengthen their push for automatic qualification to the World Cup. 

Meanwhile, Malta enters the match with minimal pressure, determined to deliver a spirited performance in front of their home supporters.

Team Conditions Ahead of Kickoff

Netherlands

The Netherlands approach this fixture with the objective of extending their positive momentum. Although their performances in the previous international break were not flawless, Ronald Koeman’s side remain well positioned in the standings. 

After opening the qualifiers with two convincing wins, the Oranje were held to a 1–1 draw by Poland national football team at home before edging Lithuania national football team in a dramatic match.

In the Lithuania encounter, the Netherlands initially led 2–0 through goals from Memphis Depay and Quinten Timber, only for the hosts to equalize. 

Depay later emerged as the hero with a decisive goal in the 64th minute, securing a vital three points.

With their lead over Poland resting only on goal difference, the Oranje must maintain total focus. Consecutive victories against Malta and Finland national football team in Amsterdam over the weekend could prove decisive in sealing their path to the 2026 World Cup.

History also favors the Dutch: in six previous meetings with Malta, they have won every match, averaging five goals per game. In their most recent clash in Groningen, Depay netted twice in an 8–0 rout.

Malta

Malta enters this game with realistic expectations. They currently sit at the bottom of Group G, having collected two points from draws against Lithuania as their only returns in the qualifiers.

Although they recorded a 3–1 friendly win over San Marino national football team, their performances remain a step below Europe’s elite teams.

Head coach Emilio De Leo is fully aware of the challenge ahead. With a FIFA ranking outside the top 170, Malta will look to make the contest competitive and avoid a heavy defeat similar to their previous encounters with the Oranje.

For the Netherlands, the key challenge may not be their opponent but maintaining their intensity ahead of the crucial Finland match.

On paper, they possess a clear advantage in experience, squad depth, and individual quality. Malta is therefore expected to adopt a defensive strategy, relying on occasional counterattacks to create opportunities.

Group G Standings Before Kickoff

Projected Lineups for Malta vs Netherlands

Malta (5–4–1)

Malta received a boost with the return of veteran midfielder Teddy Teuma, who missed their previous outing.

Matthew Guillaumier is also available after serving a suspension. However, Jake Azzopardi, who was sent off in the last match, will not feature.

The forward position remains a battle among Irvin Cardona, Jodi Jones, and the Mbong brothers.

• Goalkeeper: Bonello
• Defenders: Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, J. Borg, Camenzuli
• Midfielders: J. Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Satariano
• Forward: P. Mbong
• Coach: Emilio De Leo

Netherlands (4–3–3)

For the Oranje, Ronald Koeman has once again made bold selection decisions. Big names such as Matthijs de Ligt, Sem Steijn, and Noa Lang have not been called up this time. 

Others including Teun Koopmeiners, Jorrel Hato, Crysencio Summerville, Brian Brobbey, and Lutsharel Geertruida are also omitted for the October international break.

In their place, Quilindschy Hartman from Burnley F.C. and Jeremie Frimpong from Liverpool F.C. are set to bolster the backline. 

In attack, Mexx Meerdink is unavailable due to injury, opening a starting spot for Donyell Malen, supported by Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons.

The midfield is expected to feature a balanced trio of Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Tijjani Reijnders, providing both creativity and control.

• Goalkeeper: Verbruggen
• Defenders: Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven
• Midfielders: Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders
• Forwards: Simons, Malen, Gakpo
• Coach: Ronald Koeman

A Crucial Match for Both Teams

This encounter is far from a mere formality. For the Netherlands, it represents a golden opportunity to assert their dominance in Group G and move closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. For Malta, it is a chance to show resilience and tactical discipline against a European powerhouse.

Given their superior statistics, experience, and depth, the Netherlands are clear favorites to win. However, football often delivers surprises. 

The key question remains whether Malta can snatch a point or if the Oranje will record another emphatic victory similar to their past meetings.

The projected lineups for Malta vs Netherlands could play a decisive role in shaping the rhythm of the match, which promises to be intriguing from the opening whistle.