World Cup 2026: Netherlands and Morocco starting lineups

Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands line up in a 3-4-2-1, with a three-man central defense led by Virgil van Dijk, alongside Jan Paul van Hecke and Nathan Aké. Their four-man midfield features versatile players such as Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch, while the attack is built around Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville in support of centre-forward Donyell Malen.

For their part, Morocco, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, rely on a classic 4-2-3-1. Their defensive line of Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad and Noussair Mazraoui will provide solidity to a team counting on the attacking trio of Brahim Díaz, Bilal El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari to supply the lone striker of the day. In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui must orchestrate the balance.

No major absences have been reported for either squad, ensuring a match with full-strength groups in these lineups announced a few hours before kick-off.

Netherlands lineup analysis

Ronald Koeman has chosen a three-defender system built around the experienced Virgil van Dijk. He is flanked by Jan Paul van Hecke and Nathan Aké, a trio tasked with defensive solidity. On the flanks of the four-man midfield are Denzel Dumfries and Micky van de Ven, while Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch occupy the central roles, supported by Tijjani Reijnders. The attacking setup relies on Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo supporting Brian Brobbey in a flexible 3-4-2-1 system. Young goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen starts in goal. On the bench, Memphis Depay and Donyell Malen are among the options, offering reinvigorating attacking alternatives.

Morocco lineup analysis

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi names a traditional 4-2-3-1 with Yassine Bounou in goal. The back four relies on Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui on the flanks, while Issa Diop and Chadi Riad form the central pairing. The double pivot in midfield is made up of Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui. In attack, Brahim Díaz takes on a creative role behind an attacking trio made up of Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari and Ismaël Saibari. This setup aims to balance defensive solidity and attacking speed to counter the Dutch.

With these choices, both coaches are highlighting their experienced leaders and a clear tactical plan to qualify for the next round of the competition.