The Netherlands are under pressure for a win when they square off against Sweden in their second match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the NRG Stadium on Saturday evening.
Despite having the lead twice in the match, Netherlands were held in a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening Group F encounter. Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville were both on target as they settled for a frustrating point.
Their opponents Sweden got off to a flying start, running riot in a 5-1 demolition of African side Tunisia. Brighton’s Yasin Ayari’s brace inspired the victory and granted them all three points and hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds alive.
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This match brings with it an extra amount of pressure for the Dutch, knowing that anything other than a win could see them fall short of qualification. After missing the 2018 World Cup, they bowed out of the quarters at the 2022 edition.
Ronald Koeman’s side have played in three World Cup finals but still have never been crowned champions.
They face a Sweden side whose best performance in the tournament was back in 1958 when they hosted it and finished as runners-up to Brazil. In 2018, Sweden were knocked out in the quarterfinals before missing out on Qatar 2022.
Following their emphatic opening win, Graham Potter’s side will be full of confidence ahead of the Dutch clash. Can they keep their momentum and make it two wins in two here?
We have a look at both sides ahead of the crucial tie and offer our predicted outcome.
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What time does Netherlands vs Sweden start?
The game kicks off at 8PM E.A.T at the NRG Stadium in Houston
Netherlands vs Sweden team news
Koeman has a decision to make as he seeks his first win of the tournament. The defense was not as solid with the absence of Jurrien Timber, though Denzel Dumfries put on a good performance and will retain his role on the right flank.
Memphis Depay came off the bench against Japan, but the Dutch all-time top scorer is likely to come into the starting XI, with either Donyell Malen or Tijani Reijnders being relegated to a place on the bench.
Midfield pair of Frenkie De Jong and Ryan Gravenberch will continue to run proceedings from midfield.
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Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey came off the bench and the same is expected here, with Cody Gakpo set to lead the attacking line.
The Swedes are unlikely to change anything from their winning starting XI in the last game against Tunisia.
Premier League striking duo of Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, who both scored in the opening game, will start up front.
They will be supported by two-goal hero Ayari. The 22-year-old forward has proven himself on his World Cup debut and will be a key part of the Sweden squad for the rest of the tournament.
Netherlands vs Sweden head-to-head and current form
The stalemate against Japan means the Dutch have only won twice in their recent run of five matches. A 1-0 friendly defeat to Algeria is their only loss in that run.
Sweden have won three times in their last five games and are looking to make it back-to-back wins here. They have also lost once in that run, a 3-1 defeat to Norway in a pre-tournament friendly.
These nations are no strangers to each other, though their last encounter was in 2017, with the Dutch winning 2-0.
Current form:
Netherlands – DWLDW
Sweden – WDLWW
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Netherlands vs Sweden previous games
- Netherlands 2-0 Sweden (October 10, 2017)
- Sweden 1-1 Netherlands (September 6, 2016)
- Sweden 3-2 Netherlands (November 10, 2011)
- Netherlands 4-1 Sweden (October 12, 2010)
- Netherlands 3-1 Sweden (November 19, 2008)
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Netherlands vs Sweden prediction
The pressure is undoubtedly more on the Dutch to get their first win of the tournament, and they do have the quality to grind out a victory.
However, Sweden have shown their intent to make it past the Group stage, and they are capable of putting up a fight against the Netherlands.
We can expect goals in this match as both sides look to make their mark.
Prediction – Both teams to score
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