Netherlands vs Morocco predictions and betting tips – Intriguing last-32 clash

After picking up seven points from nine, the Netherlands won Group F to reach the round of 32. Morocco were runners-up to Brazil in Group C, although they were only beaten to top spot on goal difference.

This is one of the standout fixtures in the first knockout round. Will the Netherlands advance, or can Morocco upset the odds and claim another major scalp?

Netherlands vs Morocco head to head overview

• Date: Tuesday 30th June.
• Kick-off: 2am.
• Venue: Monterrey Stadium, Guadalupe, Mexico.
• Where to watch: ITV1 and ITVX.
• Referee: Wilton Sampaio.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: 31st May 2017; Morocco 1-2 Netherlands.
• Last 3 matches: Netherlands – 2 wins; Morocco – 1 win; Draws – 0.
• Favourite to win: Netherlands.

Netherlands vs Morocco predicted lineups

• Netherlands expected lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo.
• Morocco expected lineup: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.

Netherlands vs Morocco predictions

Having won a tricky Group F ahead of Japan and Sweden, the Netherlands will feel a little hard done by to be facing a team as strong as Morocco in the round of 32.

The Atlas Lions would also have hoped for a kinder start to the knockout phase, which they reached by finishing as runners-up in Group C.

Morocco amassed seven points, the same number as the Netherlands, after drawing with Brazil and beating Scotland and Haiti. An inferior goal difference to Brazil saw them finish second rather than first.

The Netherlands kick-started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan, before victories over Sweden and Tunisia secured their place in the knockout rounds.

Ronald Koeman knows this will be a tricky test, though. Morocco finished fourth at the last World Cup in Qatar, eliminating Spain and Portugal along the way. 

They have arguably got even better since then. Morocco reached the final of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations and have evolved into a more proactive, attack-minded side from the one we saw four years ago.

Morocco have gone 31 matches without defeat, a fantastic achievement for any national team but particularly one which is not a traditional powerhouse on the continental or world stage (before being awarded the trophy by the courts earlier this year, Morocco’s previous triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations was in 1976).

The Netherlands are also in good shape. There were concerns over their attack heading into the competition, but Koeman’s charges scored 10 goals in their three group games. And in Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven and Nathan Ake, the Dutch have some top-class defenders in their ranks.

This is one of the most intriguing fixtures in the round of 32, as the Netherlands and Morocco get ready to battle it out in Mexico.

Netherlands vs Morocco betting tips

The Netherlands take on Morocco in a tantalising tussle in the round of 32.

Tough one to call

The bookies have the Netherlands down as favourites for this last-32 tie in Guadalupe, but Morocco look overpriced.

Several of the players who still start on Tuesday (BST) were involved in their run to the World Cup semis four years ago, an experience that will serve Morocco well in the knockout phase this time around.

The Atlas Lions showed against Brazil that they have what it takes to hold their own against top teams, so the Netherlands will not have everything their own way. 

A win in 90 minutes will probably be beyond Morocco, but we expect this game to go to extra time.

⚽ Back a draw at 9/4 with Tote ⚽

Which teams will score?

The introduction of Brian Brobbey to the Netherlands attack for the game against Sweden was a masterstroke.

Brobbey scored twice and was a handful throughout, with Sweden unable to prevent him receiving the ball with his back to goal.

Cody Gakpo, Denzel Dumfries and Donyell Malen are also attacking outlets for the Dutch, who should find the back of the net in this one.

Keeping Morocco out will be tough, though. The Atlas Lions scored in all three group games, while the Netherlands are yet to keep a clean sheet in North America.

⚽ Tip both teams to score at 10/11 with BetMGM ⚽

Saibari in fine form

Ismael Saibari has already made World Cup history this summer, becoming the first African player to score in all three group games.

Saibari broke the deadlock against Brazil on matchday one, scored the winner against Scotland a few days later, and then helped Morocco to a 4-2 victory over Haiti last time out.

Saibari is in fantastic form and it is no surprise that Bayern Munich are set to sign him at the end of the tournament.

At the odds available, it is well worth a wager on Saibari scoring against the Netherlands.

⚽ Go for Ismael Saibari to score any time at 3/1 with Sky Bet ⚽

Netherlands vs Morocco latest odds

Find the latest Netherlands vs Morocco betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Netherlands and Morocco for betting

All three previous meetings between the Netherlands and Morocco have finished 2-1. Morocco have not lost to European opposition since the third-place play-off at World Cup 2022.

The Netherlands have not been beaten in 90 minutes at the World Cup since the round of 16 in 2006.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.