Both nations progressed with games to spare and did so unbeaten after collecting seven points apiece. They are evenly matched on paper with the notoriously high altitude of the Estadio Monterrey perhaps proving the decisive factor in the game's outcome.
Question marks surrounding Ronald Koeman's side's ability to perform on the biggest stage were intensified after a 2-2 draw with Japan but commanding victories over Sweden and Tunisia silenced those concerns to top Group F.
Morocco dominated Brazil despite a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw in their curtain-raiser before wins over Scotland and Haiti booked their place in the knockout stages, with the emergence of midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi grabbing the headlines thanks to his assured displays on the biggest stage.
Will the Netherlands be able to build on their two impressive recent performances or will Morocco continue to prove they are one of the tournament's dark horses?
Team news
Netherlands
Their dominant victory over Tunisia saw Brian Brobbey and Denzel Dumfries suffer knocks but the influential duo are fit to play.
With qualification secured prior to their 3-1 win over Tunisia, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven was rested but will return in place of Nathan Ake in a more unfamiliar left-back position.
Crysencio Summerville is expected to remain on the sidelines though after sustaining a head injury in their opener against Sweden in which he netted a fine strike from the edge of the box as Cody Gakpo is expected to line-up on the right side of the attack.
Morocco
The Atlas Lions are in a similar position to the Netherlands having also been able to rest key personnel last time out after already securing qualification for the knockout stages.
Noussair Mazraoui, Azzedine Ounahi and Bouaddi are among the names set to regain their spot in the side with no injury concerns for Mohamed Ouahbi to contend with.
Likely Line-ups
Netherlands: Bart Verbruggen, Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo
Morocco: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Sofiane Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari
A well-balanced team led by a flourishing young midfielder
Morocco were heavily reliant on a handful of players in their historic run to the semi-finals, like Hakim Ziyech, but this time around, they are a more well-balanced team with quality spread all over the pitch.
However, Bouaddi is the poster boy for the Atlas Lions in the middle of the park and if he is able to dictate the midfield battle against Frenkie de Jong, they have a very strong chance of progressing.
The 18-year-old dictated play against Brazil, showcasing his willingness to collect the ball from deep and progress up the pitch, before following up his standout showing in their meeting with Scotland with a 92% pass accuracy where the ex-France U21 captain was able to maintain possession in dangerous areas of the pitch.
The fact that Ouahbi rested the sought-after midfielder emphasises his importance to Morocco and his ability to break up the Netherlands' fluidity in the final third will prove crucial again, just as he did against Brazil.
Exciting Netherlands forward line can lead them to victory
Despite being criticised for adopting a conservative style of play in their opening share of the spoils with Japan, their 10-goal group stage haul is only matched by Germany and France which emphasises their attacking credentials.
Brian Brobbey of Sunderland has provided a focal point for the Netherlands and he will be looking to continue his fine goal-scoring form having already netted on three occasions. The wide options of Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo are equally vital with the former shining last time out as he showed his crucial role as their forward pressing outlet.
Not to mention their threats off of the bench with Justin Kluivert, Memphis Depay and Noa Lang all providing additional forward-thinking threats which can hurt a Moroccan side who conceded two goals against a lacklustre Haiti side.
If Koeman loosens the reins and allows his attacking talent to flourish, the Netherlands could finally realise their full potential.
Match information
When is the match?
The match will kick-off at 02:00 BST on Tuesday, 30 June.
How can I watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the fixture will be broadcast live on ITV 1. VAVEL will also be offering comprehensive coverage during and after the game.
Where is the match?
The Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe plays host to this round of 32 tie which has predominantly played host to co-hosts Mexico so far this tournament.
