Monterrey, Jun 30 (V7N) — Three-time FIFA World Cup runners-up the Netherlands will take on African powerhouse Morocco in one of the most anticipated Round of 32 fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.
The knockout match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 a.m. Bangladesh time at Monterrey Stadium.
The Netherlands enter the contest with a slight historical advantage. The two sides last met at the FIFA World Cup in 1994, when the Dutch claimed a 2-1 victory. Morocco will be aiming to rewrite that history and continue their impressive rise on the global stage.
Speaking ahead of the match, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman praised the quality of the North African side.
"Morocco is a strong team. I think it will be a great match between the two teams. It is a big knockout game early in the tournament. They like to play attacking football and have many talented players in their squad," Koeman said.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou also expressed confidence before the encounter.
"The most important thing is that this is a big match. Our opponents are a great team with many quality players. Morocco also has some extraordinary players. So I believe it will be a very exciting match. We are fully prepared and want to give our best in this major challenge," he said.
Morocco earned global recognition by becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals at the previous tournament, while the Netherlands remain one of Europe's traditional football powers with three World Cup final appearances.
Although the Dutch are considered slight favorites based on experience and international pedigree, Morocco have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to compete with and defeat elite opponents on the biggest stage.
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, both teams will be looking to deliver another memorable performance in what promises to be one of the standout matches of the knockout phase.
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