Netherlands Coach: Morocco and Brazil Are Both Great Teams

Rabat – Fresh off a dominant 5-0 victory over Sweden at the 2026 World Cup, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman stated he has no preference for their next opponent, calling both Morocco and Brazil equally tough challenges.

When asked by reporters whether he would prefer to face Morocco or Brazil in the Round of 32, the Dutch manager made his stance clear.

“I don’t prefer either team, because I think they are both very strong sides. I don’t see that one of them is stronger than the other; they are both great teams.” The Dutch manager said.

Koeman noted that he had been closely watching the two teams, pointing out how well the Atlas Lions performed in their recent match.

“We watched the match between them, which ended in a draw, where Morocco played well in both the first and second halves against Brazil. They are both great teams, and I don’t see that one of them is stronger than the other.” Koeman added.

The Dutch manager stressed that his team remains fully focused on their own immediate goals rather than worrying about future opponents.

“We are thinking about ourselves, about winning the next match and finishing top of the group, and after that, we will see which team we will face.” He explained.

Topping Group F would see the Netherlands face the runner-up of Group C in the Round of 32, a path that on paper gives the Dutch a more favorable start to the knockout rounds.

However, if they come in second behind Japan, they will face the top team from Group C, meaning a highly challenging match against either Brazil or Morocco.

The Netherlands sit level with Japan at the top of Group F with 4 points each. With Sweden close behind with 3 points, the Dutch head into their final group match knowing only a victory can secure them the top spot.