World Cup 2026: Netherlands vs Morocco Prediction, Tips & Odds

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate at the time of writing.

Netherlands face Morocco at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey on Tuesday in this 2026 World Cup Round of 32 clash, kicking off at 03:00 CAT. Ronald Koeman's team won Group F on seven points with goals to spare, while Morocco made the last 32 as Group C runners up after giving Brazil a real fright. Everything points to a gripping knockout game between two teams in good form. All our World Cup betting tips are waiting for you in our dedicated section.

Netherlands

Netherlands won Group F in style, drawing with Japan and then hammering Sweden 5-1 and beating Tunisia 3-1, and for me Koeman has one of the best balanced teams still in the competition. Brian Brobbey has grabbed his chance up front with two goals against Sweden, and with Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen on either side, the front three packs a real punch. Denzel Dumfries and Brobbey have both recovered from small knocks and are available, while Micky van de Ven may come back in at left back. As I see it, the Dutch will hog the ball and make Morocco defend for long periods.

Expected Starting XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo.

Morocco

Morocco were the big story of Group C, holding Brazil, squeezing past Scotland and then beating Haiti 4-2 to finish second on seven points. As I see it, Mohamed Ouahbi has a team that defends in a very organised way and breaks quickly through skipper Achraf Hakimi. Ismael Saibari has been their breakout star in the group with three goals in three games, and with Brahim Diaz running the show there is real quality in the final third. Ouahbi rested a number of starters against Haiti, so I think Noussair Mazraoui and Azzedine Ounahi will come back into the starting eleven for this game.

Expected Starting XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Brahim, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.

Netherlands have the sharper edge in attack, and I think their front three will find a way past a disciplined Moroccan block. That said, Morocco have enough on the break through Hakimi and Saibari to score, so I do not see an easy night for Koeman. I still think the Dutch will shade it in a game with goals at both ends. My prediction: Netherlands 2 Morocco 1.

BTTS: Yes (1.89)

My pick is both teams to score, because as I see it neither defence will keep a clean sheet here. Netherlands have scored in all their games, and Morocco netted in every group match but one, with Saibari in great form. With Hakimi bombing forward and the Dutch pushing men up, I think there will be chances at both ends.