​Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran
Netherlands and Morocco meet in one of the World Cup Round of 32’s most anticipated clashes. With a place in the knockout stage on the line, the two teams with serious ambitions for a deep run will collide Monday night in what many see as the most evenly matched Round of 32 fixture.
Match Information
Match: Netherlands vs. Morocco
Date: Monday, June 29
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Monterrey (BBVA Stadium), Monterrey, Mexico
TV (U.S.): FOX, FS1 (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Streaming: FOX One, FOX Sports App, Peacock (Spanish), Fubo, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream
Radio: SiriusXM FC and FIFA World Cup radio partners
The Netherlands advance to the knockout stage after topping Group F with seven points, opening with a draw against Japan before earning convincing victories over Sweden and Tunisia. Morocco finished second in Group C with seven points, drawing Brazil before beating Scotland and Haiti to reach the knockout rounds again.
By the numbers
Category: Netherlands vs. Morocco
FIFA World Ranking: No. 6 vs. No. 12
Group Stage Finish: 1st (Group F) vs. 2nd (Group C)
Group Stage Points: 7 vs. 7
Group Stage Record: 2-1-0 vs. 2-1-0
World Cup Titles: 0 vs. 0
Best World Cup Finish: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010) vs. Fourth place (2022)
Players to watch
The Dutch attack is loaded with talent. Cody Gakpo remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards, while Brian Brobbey, Frenkie de Jong, and captain Virgil van Dijk bring balance and experience typical of a European powerhouse. Morocco has evolved beyond a Cinderella story. The Atlas Lions continue to build on their remarkable 2022 semifinal run, led by star right back Achraf Hakimi, dynamic midfielder Ismael Saibari, and rising youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi. Their speed, organization, and confidence make them one of the tournament’s most dangerous dark horses.
What’s at stake?
This feels like a match worthy of a quarterfinal rather than the opening knockout round. The Netherlands have been unbeaten in their last 15 World Cup matches decided in regulation or extra time, while Morocco has reaffirmed that their 2022 run was not a fluke by advancing from a tough group again. Dutch manager Ronald Koeman called the matchup “too soon,” suggesting both teams are capable of going deep. Expect a tactical battle, with plenty of pace on the wings and an electric atmosphere in Monterrey. By the end of Monday night, one of the tournament’s strongest contenders will be heading home earlier than expected.
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