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Monday’s clash between the Netherlands and Morocco is expected to be the best game in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Netherlands are perennial World Cup contenders with a quarterfinal appearance, third place and second place at three of the last four World Cups
Morocco was the darling of the 2022 knockout round with a run to the semifinals
Date: Monday, June 29
Start Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: Fox One or FoxSports.com
Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook):
To Qualify for Next Round: Netherlands (-188; bet $188 to win $100); Morocco (+152; bet $100 to win $152)
90-Minute Money Line: Netherlands (+105); Morocco (+260); Draw (+210)
Monday’s game at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey could really be a quarterfinal or semifinal contest
The Netherlands scored 10 goals on their way to winning Group F ahead of Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
Morocco took second behind Brazil in Group C. The African side drew the Selecao and earned wins over Scotland and Haiti
Morocco’s draw with Brazil reinforced that it has staying power against the World Cup’s top contenders
You could argue that Morocco is even an improved side compared to four years ago because of its attacking firepower
Ismael Saibari scored in all three group games. He’s coming off two straight double-digit goal seasons at PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie
Morocco only scored once in three knockout-round games in 2022. Saibari adds a bit more pizzazz to the Moroccan attack. That could help Morocco better contend with a team like the Netherlands
The Dutch have more attacking options, starting with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, who have five goals between them
Donyell Malen and Crysencio Summerville are also goal-scoring threats in the Dutch front four. Summerville scored in each of the first two games at the World Cup
The Dutch attack faces its toughest test of the tournament on Monday. Morocco held Brazil to one goal, so a similar fate could await the Oranje
The Dutch defense, led by Virgil Van Dijk, did not keep a clean sheet in the group stage
That could be a concern for the Dutch going into the knockout round, where games are typically tighter
Opportunity awaits either side if they win. The South Africa-Canada winner awaits in the round of 16
Whichever team emerges victorious in Monterrey could very well find themselves in the quarterfinals
