Netherlands rules out favoritism against Morocco in World Cup knockout stage

Coach Ronald Koeman ruled out the Netherlands' favoritism against a confident Morocco, this Monday, at 10 pm (Brasília time) in the fight for a place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at the BBVA Stadium, in Guadeloupe, Monterrey (MEX). On the Moroccan side, Mohamed Ouahbi shows great confidence not only for this confrontation, but even for the fight for the unprecedented title.

In an interview with the newspaper "De Telegraaf", Koeman compared Morocco with Brazil.

"None is stronger than the other. Football is very level," said the Dutchman, who went on to reveal how his team should behave on the field and what he expects from the opponent.

Memphis Depay, who plays for Corinthians, should continue as an option on the bench, with a good chance of coming on during the match.

"Our touch of the ball must be very quick to be able to break through their block. At the same time, we have to recover quickly when we lose the ball. We have to advance and retreat together. Otherwise, we could fall out of the World Cup at this stage."

In the group stage, the Netherlands recorded a draw against Japan (2-2) and victories over Paraguay (5-1) and Tunisia (3-1).

In search of the cup
Fourth place in the last World Cup, Morocco does not adopt the role of supporting player in the fight for a place in the round of 16.

"We have entered a new dimension: the players believe in themselves and the opponents respect Morocco. Therefore, we have to believe that it is possible to win the world title. How will we achieve this goal? By giving 200% in each match and preparing for the games in the best possible way", said Mohamed Ouahbi.

In the group stage, Morocco drew with Brazil (1-1) and defeated Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2). Ouahbi will put the best in the squad on the field, especially Hakimi.

Brazilian on the field
Referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio returns to oversee a match at this World Cup after working on the debut with Mexico x South Africa and Norway x Senegal. With four games in the Qatar Cup, in 2022, the Goiás player will play in the seventh game.

For the third time, Wilton will be in charge of a Netherlands game, always with a victory for the 'orange team'. Four years ago, the Brazilian refereed 2-0 over Senegal and 3-1 in the USA.

How the 16th round phase works, new in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage

Source: CNN