Netherlands aim to extend Group G lead in Malta World Cup qualifying

The Netherlands travel to Malta on Thursday to play at Ta Qali National Stadium in UEFA qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in a match that could further strengthen the visitors position atop Group G. The Oranje sit level on points with Poland but have played one fewer game, and a win in Malta would open a gap at the top and move them closer to automatic qualification.

The Dutch arrive as firm favorites after an 8-0 win over Malta in June and three wins from four qualifying matches overall. Their September international window produced mixed results: a 1-1 draw at home with Poland was followed by a nervy 3-2 victory in Kaunas over Lithuania, where the Netherlands surrendered a two-goal lead before Memphis Depay scored the decisive goal. Depay, who scored twice in both the June meeting with Malta and the Lithuania match, is among the players expected to lead the attack alongside Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo.

Ronald Koeman has made notable selection changes for the trip, omitting several established names from his squad. Matthijs de Ligt, Sem Steijn and Noa Lang were left out, while Quilindschy Hartman and Jeremie Frimpong were recalled. Concerns over fitness prompted a first...