Netherlands will be huge favourites when they travel to face Malta in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Thursday night. They are currently leading Group G on goal difference from second-placed Poland after accumulating a total of 10 points from their opening four games.
Meanwhile, Malta are expectedly rock-bottom after failing to win any of their first five matches. They have also only scored once, and conceded 12 goals in total.
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Malta vs Netherlands prediction: Straightforward for the Dutch?
Key stats
- Malta's 3-1 win at home to San Marino in a friendly last time out was their first in seven games in total in all competitions.
- Netherlands have scored 14 goals in qualifying so far, conceding just three times.
- Netherlands have won all seven of the previous H2Hs to nil.
Correct score prediction: Malta 0-5 Netherlands
This is a total mismatch in terms of the quality of both sides, with Netherlands a whopping 159 places above Malta in the official FIFA World Rankings. The Dutch have managed to score plenty of goals in this fixture before, including an 8-0 romp in World Cup qualifying back in June.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Netherlands huge favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 45/1 (46.00) – 2.2%
- DRAW: 14/1 (15.00) – 6.7%
- AWAY: 1/20 (1.05) – 95.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Netherlands are unsurprisingly the huge favourites to claim all three points on their travels. Both a draw and a Malta victory are rated at under 7% by bookmakers, which suggests that both results are highly unlikely.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page for more of our predictions on the other World Cup qualifiers taking place.
Most recent H2Hs: Netherlands totally dominant
As mentioned before, Netherlands have won all seven of the previous meetings between the two sides in all competitions, not conceding a single goal. The Dutch have also scored a total of 36 goals in those H2Hs, averaging over five per match!
Malta preview: Teuma back in contention
Teddy Teuma missed last month's games, but is back in contention for Malta. Matthew Guillaumier is also available after suspension.
Predicted lineup: Bonnello (GK); Muscat, Pepe, Shaw, Borg, Camenzuli; J Mbong, Teuma, Guillaumier, Satariano & P Mbong
Last five results:
- Malta 3-1 San Marino
- Lithuania 1-1 Malta
- Netherlands 8-0 Malta
- Malta 0-0 Lithuania
- Poland 2-0 Malta
Netherlands preview: Meerdink withdraws
Mexx Meerdink has had to withdraw from the squad after earning his first call-up. Netherlands have left out a number of big names, such is the strength of the pool of players they can choose from.
Predicted lineup: Verbruggen (GK); Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Malen & Gakpo
Last five results:
- Lithuania 2-3 Netherlands
- Netherlands 1-1 Poland
- Netherlands 8-0 Malta
- Finland 0-2 Netherlands
- Spain 4-3 Netherlands
Player to watch: Donyell Malen
Donyell Malen will be hoping to add to his 11 goals in his senior Netherlands career so far. The forward scored both goals for Aston Villa in a 2-1 win for his club at home to Burnley in the Premier League last weekend, and so will be fancied to get on the scoresheet against Malta.