FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Netherlands v Sweden 🇳🇱🇸🇪 | OneFootball

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Netherlands v Sweden 🇳🇱🇸🇪 | OneFootball

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Padraig Whelan·20 June 2026

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Netherlands v Sweden 🇳🇱🇸🇪

Article image:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Netherlands v Sweden 🇳🇱🇸🇪

The Netherlands and Sweden continue their FIFA World Cup 26™ campaigns on Saturday when they face off at Houston Stadium.

Here is what to expect from the contest.


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Who is playing today? 👀

One of the standout fixtures across the entire group stage sees two European foes face off in Texas.

The Netherlands have already been involved in one of the most exciting games of the tournament when they played out a captivating 2-2 draw against Japan in their opener, Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville's goals not proving enough as they twice threw away a lead.

Sweden were much more convincing victors as they thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game - a result so devastating that it saw the Eagles of Carthage sack coach Sabri Lamouchi immediately.


Players to watch 🔥

Article image:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Netherlands v Sweden 🇳🇱🇸🇪

As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Dutch fare with Micky van de Ven in a full-back role, with the Tottenham defender seeming to be more comfortable in a central position.

Elsewhere, Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool claimed two assists in the Oranje's opening game and will look to build upon that, while Donyell Malen will be out to open his account after being denied by some superb goalkeeping against Japan.

Sweden were simply devastating in their opening game and Graham Potter will have been delighted to see both his star strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres already getting off the mark.

Yasin Ayari also netted two sublime long-range goals, while Mattias Svanberg gave his coach a headache when picking the side by coming off the bench to score with his very first touch at a World Cup™.


Must-watch video 🎥

The Netherlands' support's famous 'Links-Rechts' chant wowed the people of Texas at their opening game.


Fun facts 📊

  • This is the first FIFA World Cup™ meeting between these nations since their 0-0 draw in 1974 - a game made famous for being the birth of Johan Cruyff's iconic 'Cruyff turn'
  • Netherlands are on the joint-longest unbeaten run in World Cup™ history (level with Brazil 1958-1966) having not lost since the 2010 final and avoiding defeat in all 13 matches since then
  • Sweden have won just one previous FIFA World Cup™ group stage game against fellow UEFA qualifiers - a 3-1 win over Russia in 1994

Our prediction 🔮

  1. Netherlands 1-1 Sweden
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