Netherlands vs Morocco: Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Virgil van Dijk & Brahim Diaz

This will be only the second meeting between the Netherlands and Morocco at the FIFA World Cup

The Netherlands and Morocco will lock horns at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 30th, 2026. The game is one of the headline clashes of the Round of 32. Both teams have locked horns twice before their upcoming clash, and the Dutch have emerged victorious on both occasions.

The Netherlands have accumulated seven points from three World Cup group phase games. After a disappointing 2-2 draw against Japan on the opening matchday, the Netherlands showcased their brilliant squad synergy against Sweden and Tunisia in rounds two and three, respectively.

Morocco, on the other hand, have also been undefeated in the ongoing World Cup even after facing the likes of Brazil and Scotland during the group phase. They had a historic run in the 2022 edition of the tournament, defeating the likes of Spain and Portugal to secure a place in the semi-finals.

5. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

The first entry on our list is the Netherlands’ explosive left winger, Cody Gakpo. He accumulated 15 goals and assists in 52 appearances for Liverpool during the 2025/26 season. He has electric pace and absolutely dominates the left-hand side. He has racked up two goals and an assist in the ongoing World Cup as well and is one of the attackers on whom Ronald Koeman will rely the most to make a difference.

4. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Coming in at number four on our list is Morocco’s captain, Achraf Hakimi. He is an elite blend of world-class pace, attacking output, and tactical adaptability. The Moroccan international provides consistent overlapping and underlapping runs throughout the game.

Hakimi will play a crucial role against the Netherlands both on and off the pitch, as, in addition to being one of their best players, he has the responsibility of oozing confidence to uplift his teammates.

Also Read: Preview: Netherlands vs Morocco prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

3. Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands)

The midfield maestro is one of the best holding midfielders in the world right now. He has also played under Ronald Koeman at FC Barcelona, and that was arguably his most effective stretch with the club.

Ronald Koeman brings the best out of Frenkie de Jong and allows him to flourish on the pitch. Frenkie de Jong excellently dictates the tempo of a game, and this ability will come in handy for a game of this magnitude.

2. Brahim Diaz (Morocco)

Brahim Díaz is an absolute superstar in Morocco’s attack. He is yet to score a goal in this World Cup but has racked up two assists against the likes of Brazil and Scotland in the ongoing competition so far.

In 27 career appearances, Brahim Díaz has scored 14 goals for his national team. He is also very hard-working off the ball and is a dream attacker for any manager. As Morocco are coming into this clash as an underdog, fans will expect Brahim Diaz to step up and guide his country to the Round of 16.

1. Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

Topping our list is none other than Virgil van Dijk. He is widely considered one of the greatest centre-backs of all time. He is a complete package of imposing physical size, elite technical intelligence, and flawless positioning. He knows when to step out and press the opponent or stay back and hold the defensive line.

Thanks to his physicality, Virgil van Dijk excels especially in one-on-one situations. He is also an attacking threat from set-piece situations, as he has already found the back of the net in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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