Netherlands Faces Malta in Key World Cup Qualifier Match

TA’ QALI, Malta – The Netherlands will aim to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Malta on Thursday, October 9, at the Ta' Qali National Stadium. This important Group G match comes after the Dutch team’s impressive performance, having won three out of their four qualifying games.

Currently sitting at the top of the group, Netherlands shares 10 points with Poland but has played one game fewer. With a superior goal difference, they hope to create distance between themselves and Poland. Coach Ronald Koeman‘s squad demonstrated their strength earlier this year with an 8-0 victory over Malta during their first meeting in the qualifiers.

Malta, meanwhile, enters the match with a challenging track record against the Dutch. The team has not only lost their last seven encounters but has also failed to score against Netherlands, conceding 36 goals in total. They are at the bottom of Group G, having earned only two points from draws with Lithuania.

In another twist, the Netherlands will be without their all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay. He has been left out of the starting lineup due to late arrival at camp after his passport was reportedly stolen in Brazil. Despite this setback, the Dutch team remains the heavy favorite to win.

The match kicks off at 8:45 p.m. local time, which translates to 2:45 p.m. ET in the United States. Fans can catch the game via various streaming options, although it will not be broadcast live in English. FuboTV offers services that may allow viewing, depending on regional restrictions.