The Netherlands and Morocco are set to clash in a highly anticipated Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on Monday, June 29, at 7pm local time (01:00 GMT Tuesday).

Both teams impressed in the group stage, showcasing their attacking prowess. The Netherlands topped Group F with a 2-2 draw against Japan, a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden, and a 3-1 win over Tunisia. Brian Bobby scored three goals, while Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo netted two each.

Morocco finished second in Group C after a 1-1 draw with Brazil, a 1-0 win over Scotland, and a 4-2 victory against Haiti. Ismael Saibari scored three goals. Morocco became only the third African nation to reach the knockout stages of consecutive World Cups.

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman expressed that the match comes too early in the tournament: "It's a big thing for this game to take place now because we are both teams that ought to go further than this stage." He confirmed an attacking approach for his side.

Morocco coach Nabil Ouahbi downplayed group-stage results: "In the last three matches, we showed good performances, but tomorrow's match is different and requires different solutions."

According to Opta's supercomputer, the Netherlands have a 45% probability of winning in regulation time, Morocco 26%, with a 29% chance of extra time or penalties.

The winner will face Canada in the Round of 16, who defeated South Africa 1-0 earlier.

This is only the second World Cup meeting between the teams; the Netherlands won 2-1 in 1994. The Dutch are unbeaten in six World Cup matches against African opponents (five wins, one draw).

Source: www.aljazeera.com