The 7th round of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup kicked off. The Netherlands, playing away, defeated Malta 4-0 with goals from Gakpo, Reinders and Depay.

Nine minutes into the game, the Netherlands created an attacking opportunity. Reinders got the ball from outside the penalty area and took a long shot, but the shot was too straight and was blocked by Maltese goalkeeper Bonello.

In the 10th minute, Gravenberch was tripped by an opposing player while attempting to break through. Weghorst immediately fired home a shot, but the referee ruled it was a foul and disallowed the goal, awarding the Netherlands a penalty. Gakpo then converted the penalty to give the Netherlands a 1-0 lead.

After the 22nd minute, Frenkie de Jong lobbed a pass into the penalty area, and Van der Ven volleyed the ball but it went wide. In the 35th minute, Malta seized the ball and attempted a counterattack. In the penalty area, Shualef received a cross from his teammate and took a few steps to shoot, but Dumfries blocked it out of the bottom line.

In the 37th minute, the Netherlands attacked with a corner kick. When Weghorst headed the ball, it touched the opponent's player's hand, but after the intervention of VAR, the referee said there was no penalty.

Early in the second half, Weghorst was brought down by an opposing player while vying for the ball, prompting the referee to award a penalty to Gakpo. Gakpo converted the penalty, extending the Netherlands' lead over Malta to 2-0. In the 55th minute, Frimpong received the ball from the right and sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area, prompting Gakpo to volley home, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.

In the 57th minute, Dutch goalkeeper Bonello made a mistake, allowing Gakpo to take possession and pass the ball diagonally. Reinders seized the opportunity and shot low, extending the Netherlands' lead to 3-0. In the 67th minute, the Netherlands replaced Frimpong and Frenkie de Jong with Malen and Kluivert.

In the 77th minute, Depay made a cross despite the defense, and Dumfries jumped up to head the ball, but it was saved by Malta goalkeeper Bonello. In the 85th minute, the Netherlands got a free kick opportunity, and Reinders's penalty was intercepted by Bonello.

In the second half stoppage time, the Netherlands' attack was cleared, Dumfries seized the ball and made a cross, Depay took advantage of the momentum and scored, helping the Netherlands to make the score 4-0.

In the end, the Netherlands defeated Malta 4-0 away. After two consecutive wins, the Netherlands currently ranks first in the Group G standings with 13 points.