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Netherlands and Morocco meet in World Cup round of 32
The teams, ranked seventh and sixth by FIFA, face each other Monday night in Monterrey. Both advanced from the group stage with strong records.
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Netherlands and Morocco will play in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup on Monday night in Monterrey, Mexico. The sides are ranked seventh and sixth, respectively, in FIFA's official rankings. The matchup marks the first time two top-10 teams have met in the opening knockout round since France played Argentina in 2018. One team will be eliminated after the match.
Path to the round of 32 Morocco finished second in Group C with seven points after wins over Scotland and Haiti and a draw with Brazil. Netherlands topped Group F after a 2-2 draw with Japan followed by wins against Sweden and Tunisia.
Playing styles and injuries Netherlands relies on accurate passing and quick movement to the wings to create chances for striker Brian Brobbey. The side has not kept a clean sheet in its last seven matches. Morocco typically defends deep before launching counterattacks led by players including Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.
The team has scored six goals in the tournament. Both teams reported minor injury concerns ahead of the match but confirmed their players are available. Morocco plans to return to its strongest lineup after making changes in its final group game.
Possible lineups Morocco is expected to start Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui, Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari. Netherlands is expected to start Bart Verbruggen, Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo.
