Match Overview

The 7th round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament between the national teams of Malta and the Netherlands is scheduled for October 9 at Malta’s national stadium in Ta’ Qali. This article provides a comprehensive prediction, betting insights, coefficients, and statistical analysis for the Malta – Netherlands encounter.

Malta’s Current Form

Emilio De Leo’s squad, as widely anticipated, currently occupies the bottom position in Group G. Throughout the present qualifying campaign, the national team’s notable moments have been two draws against Lithuania (0:0 and 1:1), alongside a heavy 0:8 defeat inflicted by the Netherlands. Interestingly, Malta managed to score their inaugural goal of this qualification in the most recent round. It’s also worth highlighting that all three of Malta’s losses in this period have been without scoring a single goal.

• Malta’s winless streak in World Cup qualifiers now spans 11 matches, comprising 3 draws and 8 defeats.
• The team has suffered losses in 4 of its last 5 home fixtures in this tournament, securing only 1 draw.
• A maximum of 4 goals has been scored in 9 of Malta’s last 11 home World Cup qualifying encounters.

Malta’s Expected Lineup and Absentees

Antony Bonello – Myles Beerman, Steve Borg, Enrico Pepe – Kurt Shaw, Joseph Mbong, Alex Satariano, Brandon Paiber, Matthew Guillaumier – Ilias Chair, Irvin Cardona.

Midfielder Jake Azzopardi is set to miss two qualifying matches due to a suspension. Additionally, midfielder Paul Mbong and defender Zach Muscat are unavailable, having accumulated too many yellow cards.

Netherlands’ Performance Overview

In September, the national team participated in two matches. Initially, the Dutch played to a 1:1 draw with Poland on their home ground, followed by a hard-fought 3:2 victory against Lithuania away. Ronald Koeman’s team currently leads the quintet’s standings, holding an advantage over Poland on tie-breakers, despite having played one fewer game. It is also important to note that the Netherlands’ unbeaten run in this competition has now reached 13 matches, with an impressive record of 10 wins and 3 draws.

• The Netherlands have not managed to score more than 3 goals in 5 of their last 6 World Cup qualifying fixtures.
• The team has conceded goals in 9 of its last 12 away matches during this qualifying cycle.
• The Netherlands have failed to win the second half in 4 of their last 5 away matches in this tournament (3 draws and 1 loss).

Netherlands’ Expected Lineup and Absentees

Bart Verbruggen – Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Aké – Jerdy Schouten, Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong – Donyell Malen, Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay.

Midfielder Quinten Timber and forward Mexx Meerdink are both sidelined due to injuries.

Referee Analysis

Duje Strukan (Netherlands)

Matches officiated – 14 (International fixtures, 2023–2025);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 70;

Average yellow cards per match – 5;

Red cards shown – 5;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties awarded – 36%.

Match Prediction: Malta vs Netherlands

These two opponents have already faced each other in June, a match where the Dutch completely dismantled the islanders’ defense. Malta approaches this second encounter with caution, as there’s a strong possibility of a similar outcome. Historically, in the mid-90s, these national teams met in Euro qualifiers, with Malta suffering two identical 0:4 defeats. Even earlier, in the 1990/91 season, Malta lost 0:8 at home to the Netherlands.

It is highly probable that another dominant victory will occur. The Netherlands frequently achieve significant wins against teams from smaller nations in both World Cup and European Championship qualifying rounds. I anticipate the visitors will score an early goal in this fixture. Ronald Koeman’s squad has previously found the net within the first 15 minutes in this qualification campaign against Malta, as well as against Lithuania and Finland. Furthermore, when Malta experiences heavy losses, the trend often begins with an early concession – in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the team conceded goals in the 6th minute at home against both Slovakia and Croatia.

My prediction – “Goal from 1st to 15th minute – Yes” with odds of 2.44

Author: Олександр Олексенко