The Netherlands proved too strong for Malta in their sixth FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier, claiming a 4–0 victory at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali. Two of the goals came from the penalty spot as the Dutch controlled much of the match, while Malta showed fight but rarely tested goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Malta made four changes from the defeat in Vilnius against Lithuania. With Zach Muscat and Paul Mbong suspended and Myles Beerman and Brandon Paiber starting on the bench, Emilio De Leo’s side welcomed back captain Matthew Guillaumier, while Juan Corbalan, Ryan Camenzuli—earning his 50th cap—and Teddy Teuma all returned to the starting XI.

The hosts almost took a shock lead in the 2nd minute, when Joseph Mbong intercepted a Virgil van Dijk back-pass but failed to beat Verbruggen. Soon after, Henry Bonello denied Tijani Reijnders from close range.

In the 12th minute, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Kurt Shaw on Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo converted confidently to make it 1–0. Gakpo later struck the post, while Malta’s best first-half chance came on 35 minutes, when Ilyas Chouaref forced Dumfries into a crucial block. A second penalty was initially awarded to the Dutch just before the break for handball, but VAR overturned the decision.

Early in the second half, another penalty was given after Pepe held Weghorst in the box. Gakpo converted again in the 48th minute for 2–0. Bonello saved well from Frimpong soon after, but Reijnders punished a Maltese error to score the third in the 57th minute.

With the visitors in full control, Malta pushed forward in spells but lacked the cutting edge to trouble the Dutch defence, marshalled by van Dijk. Bonello denied Dumfries with a fine save in the 78th minute, while Cardona had a promising counterattack blocked shortly after.

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Memphis Depay added a fourth with a well-placed header from a Dumfries cross to complete a clinical Dutch performance.

Malta will next host a testimonial match for Steve Borg against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Sunday before resuming qualifiers against Finland in Helsinki on 14 November, followed by the final home match against Poland on 17 November.

Match Stats

FIFA World Cup 2026 – European Qualifiers Group G
09.10.2025 – National Stadium, Ta’ Qali

Malta 0
Netherlands 4 (HT 0–1)
0–1 Gakpo (pen) 12’
0–2 Gakpo (pen) 48’
0–3 Reijnders 57’
0–4 Depay 90+3’

Malta: Henry Bonello, Kurt Shaw, Enrico Pepe, Juan Corbalan, Ryan Camenzuli, Joseph Mbong (Adam Magri Overend 72’), Matthew Guillaumier, Alex Satariano (Yannick Yankam 72’), Teddy Teuma (Kemar Reid 83’), Ilyas Chouaref (Jodi Jones 83’), Irvin Cardona (Basil Tuma 87’)
Coach: Emilio De Leo

Netherlands: Bart Verbruggen, Micky van de Ven (Quilindschy Hartman 83’), Virgil van Dijk, Jurrien Timber, Denzel Dumfries, Tijani Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong (Justin Kluivert 67’), Cody Gakpo (Xavi Simons 83’), Jeremie Frimpong (Donyell Malen 67’), Wout Weghorst (Memphis Depay 67’)

Referee: Duje Strukan (Croatia)
Yellow Cards: Camenzuli, Pepe, Cardona, Teuma, Magri Overend (M); Van Dijk, Depay (N)