Overview:
Netherlands finished as runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010, while they were fourth in 1998 and third in 2014.
Tuesday June 30, 2026
- Gillete stadium 4am [EAT]
Morocco and Netherlands face off in a highly anticipated round of 32 clash at the Gillete stadium in the early hours of Tuesday with either targeting progress.
The African champions booked the date with the Dutch after finishing second in group C behind Brazil.
The Atlas Lions began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the five-time record champions, and then beat Scotland and Haiti 1-0 and 4-2 respectively.
Netherlands on the other hand topped group F with an exciting four goal thrilling draw against Japan before comprehensive wins over Sweden (5-1) and Tunisia (3-1).
Both teams have never won the world cup with Netherlands playing in three finals while Morocco reached the semis at the last edition in Qatar, a milestone only achieved by them amongst all African nations in history.
Netherlands finished as runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010, while they were fourth in 1998 and third in 2014.
The Atlas Lions have faced Netherlands on three previous occasions, including a clash in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup, which ended 2-1 to Holland.
Following changes in their last line ups, both coaches are set to recall their first teamers to the squad tonight.
Micky van de Ven is set to return to the starting team at left-back, with Nathan Ake dropping out.
Brobbey is expected to continue through the middle for Koeman’s team, with Memphis Depay, Justin Kluivert and Crysencio Summerville set to be kept in reserve.
As for Morocco, there will be changes from the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Haiti, with Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Azzedine Ounahi expected to return to the first XI for the last-32 clash.
Elsewhere, record winners Brazil face Japan while Germany clash with Paraguay at 8pm and 11.30pm respectively on Monday.
How to watch
All matches will be live on DStv on four dedicated FIFA World Cup Channels in multiple languages. The Channels are FIFA World Cup Central (Channel 222), FIFA World Cup Extra (Channel 223), FIFA World Cup Pass (Channel 225), and FIFA World Cup Swahili (Channel 224).
