Netherlands vs Malta Prediction & Tips
Ronald Koeman’s side started this qualifying cycle later than the rest due to their participation in the Nations League playoffs. There, the Netherlands showed their strength by not losing to Spain in either of their two matches, although they eventually lost on penalties to reach the final.
The road to the 2026 World Cup got off to a flying start with a 2-0 away win over Finland in Helsinki. The game was all but settled in the 23rd minute, with goals from Depay and Dumfries. The Finns hardly troubled their opponents’ goal, reflecting the very low xG generated – just 0.13.
For Malta, this will be their fourth match in the current qualifying campaign. Emiliano De Leo’s charges have just one point after three games, earned thanks to a goalless draw at home to Lithuania (0-0). Before that, they lost to Poland (0-2) and Finland (0-1). They have yet to score in the tournament, and unsurprisingly, in the last two games they generated just 0.33 xG overall, which is evidence of the team’s attacking precariousness.
