Monterrey in Mexico plays host to one of the more eye-catching second round clashes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as three-time runners-up Netherlands take on 2022 semi-finalists Morocco.
There was nothing to choose between them in the group stage, with both teams winning twice and drawing once to remain unbeaten at the World Cup.
The Oranje were involved in a trio of high-scoring affairs to land top spot in Group F, while Morocco enjoyed the honour of drawing 1-1 with Brazil en route to a second-place finish in Group C.
Netherlands v Morocco Tips Summary
Best Bet - Morocco to qualify @ 13/10
Alternative Bet - Ismael Saibari to score or assist @ 6/4
Bet Builder - Bart Verbruggen over 2.5 saves, Achraf Hakimi 1+ shots on target & Virgil van Dijk 1+ shots @ 6/1
Netherlands v Morocco Prediction
Best Bet: Morocco to qualify @ 13/10
Ronald Koeman's Netherlands are slight favourites for this showdown at the Estadio BBVA, but the Atlas Lions to qualify is arguably the play.
The Dutch are full of goals, or have been against open opposition in Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
They will find Morocco a far tougher defence to breach - Mohamed Ouahbi's men conceded twice in their 4-2 win over Haiti last week but that was only because they were throwing caution to the wind in striving to pip Brazil.
It was the first time in 15 matches they had conceded more than once, indicative of what a well-organised backline they boast.
Netherlands have conceded in every game and Bart Verbruggen has been far the busier of the two keepers taking to the field in Monterrey.
Alternative Bet: Ismael Saibari to score or assist @ 6/4
He won't win the Golden Boot but the goals scored by Ismael Saibari have been worth their weight in gold to Morocco and he may not be finished yet.
Many Dutch players will know about the PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder, who has been deployed further by the Moroccans to great effect.
Saibari found the net in all three group games - only Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior can match that feat - and has bagged 12 for club and country since the end of January.
He is averaging 3.3 shots per game in these finals and will like the fact this Dutch defence is far from assured. Take the Spanish-born 25-year-old to score or assist.
Netherlands v Morocco Bet Builder Tip
Bart Verbruggen over 2.5 Saves
Achraf Hakimi 1+ shots on target
Virgil van Dijk 1+ shots
Pays 6/1
Netherlands keeper Verbruggen has been busier than he would have wanted at this World Cup and he can expect another busy 90 minutes against Morocco.
The Brighton gloveman has made 11 saves so far and Morocco can force him to make at least three.
Remember, with bet365 extra-time is included in Bet Builders and this fixture is one you could legitimately see going for the added half hour, making the bet even more attractive.
Morocco's PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi, one of the best wing-backs in the modern game, showed what a threat he was as an attacking force against Haiti with three shots on target including a goal.
Like team-mate Saibari he is averaging 3.3 shots per game and can get one on target.
The Dutch, of course, have no end of attacking threats of their own and not just the frontmen.
Liverpool fans have revelled for several seasons in the threat Virgil van Dijk causes from set-plays and he found the net for the Oranje in their opening 2-2 draw with Japan.
Round off the Bet Builder by taking Van Dijk simply to have at least one shot.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Netherlands and Morocco both claimed seven points in the group stage.
Netherlands have lost only one of their last 19 matches and failed to find the net in only one of those 19.
Morocco are unbeaten inside 90 minutes in their last 32 fixtures.
Both teams have scored in Netherlands' last four matches, all four producing over 2.5 goals.
PSV Eindhoven's Ismael Saibari has scored in each of Morocco's three matches so far.
Oranje keeper Bart Verbruggen made 11 saves in the group stage, six more than Morocco's Yassine Bounou.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
