Netherlands vs. Morocco Predicted Lineups: Expected Starting XIs for 6/29 Round of 32 Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues as the Netherlands takes on Morocco in a Round of 32 matchup with a place in the Round of 16 on the line.
The Netherlands enters the knockout rounds as one of Europe’s most talented sides, built around a strong defensive spine and a midfield capable of controlling matches. Morocco, meanwhile, will look to continue its rise on the international stage with another disciplined and dangerous knockout-round performance.
Led by stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Achraf Hakimi, and Brahim Díaz, this matchup features two well-organized teams with plenty of individual quality. The Netherlands will look to dictate possession and create chances through its midfield, while Morocco will rely on defensive structure, pace, and attacking creativity in transition.
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Netherlands Predicted Starting Lineup
The Netherlands is expected to field a balanced lineup built around defensive strength, midfield control, and attacking versatility.
Bart Verbruggen starts in goal behind a back four of Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Micky van de Ven. Van Dijk provides leadership and composure in central defense, while Dumfries and Van de Ven offer athleticism and width from the full-back positions.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Tijjani Reijnders are expected to control the center of the pitch. De Jong brings composure in possession, while Gravenberch and Reijnders add ball progression, energy, and attacking support.
Leading the attack are Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, and Cody Gakpo. Gakpo remains one of the Netherlands’ most dangerous scoring threats, while Brobbey provides a physical presence through the middle and Malen offers pace from the right side.
- GK: Bart Verbruggen
- RB: Denzel Dumfries
- CB: Virgil van Dijk
- CB: Jan Paul van Hecke
- LB: Micky van de Ven
- CM: Frenkie de Jong
- CM: Ryan Gravenberch
- CM: Tijjani Reijnders
- RW: Donyell Malen
- ST: Brian Brobbey
- LW: Cody Gakpo
Morocco Predicted Starting Lineup
Morocco is expected to line up with a technically gifted and disciplined squad capable of frustrating the Netherlands and creating chances in transition.
Bono starts in goal behind a back four featuring Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, and Noussair Mazraoui. Hakimi remains one of Morocco’s most important players because of his pace, attacking quality, and ability to impact the game from right back.
In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui are expected to provide defensive cover and progression from deeper areas. Ahead of them, Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, and Bilal El Khannouss give Morocco creativity, technical quality, and movement between the lines.
Ismael Saibari is expected to lead the line, offering mobility and link-up play as Morocco looks to challenge the Dutch defense.
- GK: Bono
- RB: Achraf Hakimi
- CB: Issa Diop
- CB: Chadi Riad
- LB: Noussair Mazraoui
- CDM: Ayyoub Bouaddi
- CDM: Neil El Aynaoui
- RW: Brahim Díaz
- CAM: Azzedine Ounahi
- LW: Bilal El Khannouss
- ST: Ismael Saibari
Team News & Key Absences
The Netherlands enters the Round of 32 with a strong core available. Van Dijk remains the leader at the back, while De Jong, Gakpo, and Dumfries give the Dutch quality across all three lines.
Morocco also arrives with several key players expected to feature. Hakimi and Mazraoui provide experience from the full-back positions, while Díaz, Ounahi, and El Khannouss will be relied upon to create attacking opportunities.
Both teams are expected to have the majority of their preferred starters available for this knockout-stage clash.
Match Outlook & Resources
The Netherlands enters the matchup as a slight favorite thanks to its defensive quality, midfield control, and attacking depth. If De Jong and Reijnders are able to dictate the tempo, the Dutch should have opportunities to create chances through Gakpo, Malen, and Brobbey.
Morocco has the structure and technical ability to make this a difficult match. With Hakimi pushing forward, Díaz drifting into dangerous areas, and Ounahi providing creativity, Morocco has enough attacking quality to threaten on the counter.
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, expect a tense and competitive knockout-round matchup between two teams capable of making a deep World Cup run.
AP Images/Reed Hoffmann
