Netherlands and Sweden are set to clash in their second Group F match of the World Cup 2026, with the Dutch aiming to recover after dropping points in their opening fixture.
Netherlands' Need for a Win
The Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan last week, conceding an 89th-minute equalizer from Daichi Kamada. This result drew criticism towards head coach Ronald Koeman for his perceived negative substitutions, notably replacing Ryan Gravenberch with defender Nathan Ake late in the game, which invited pressure leading to the corner from which Japan scored. The dropped points mean the Netherlands must secure all three against Sweden to avoid a tense final group stage match.
Sweden's Strong Start
Sweden, meanwhile, can secure a spot in the knockout stages with a victory. They thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their opening game, with Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres both finding the net. This marked a triumphant return to the World Cup for the Scandinavians, whose only appearance in the last 20 years was at Russia 2018. The Netherlands also boast attacking talent, including West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville, who has attracted transfer interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.
Date, Kick-off Time and Venue
Netherlands vs Sweden is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The match will take place at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Where to Watch Netherlands vs Sweden for FREE
- TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 5.30pm BST.
- Live stream: UK viewers can also watch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer or the channel's website.
- Live blog: Follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport's live blog.
- Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, as well as BBC iPlayer and their websites.
Netherlands vs Sweden Team News
Xavi Simons missed out on the Netherlands' squad after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April. Jurrien Timber also misses out due to a groin injury that kept him out of Arsenal's run-in; he was replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida. Jurrien's twin brother, midfielder Quinten Timber, is confirmed to miss the Sweden game after suffering a concussion in training.
Netherlands squad: Bart Verbruggen, Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Nathan Ake, Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Lutsharel Geertruida, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Teun Koopmeiners, Noah Lang, Tijjani Reijnders, Marten de Roon, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer, Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Justin Kluivert, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst.
Sweden have no fresh injury concerns but are still missing the playmaking abilities of Dejan Kulusevski, who has not played a minute of football for club or country in over a year. The Tottenham midfielder was rumored to have a chance of making the squad, but constant injury setbacks and surgeries have ruled him out. Isak was seen training alone after the win over Tunisia, but the Swedish FA confirmed he was fine after his double.
Sweden squad: Viktor Johansson, Kristoffer Nordfelt, Jacob Widdell Zetterstrom, Hjalmar Ekdal, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Isak Hien, Emil Holm, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Nilsson Lindelof, Eric Smith, Carl Starfelt, Elliot Stroud, Daniel Svensson, Taha Ali, Yasin Ayari, Lucas Bergvall, Jesper Karlström, Ken Sema, Mattias Svanberg, Besfort Zeneli, Alexander Bernhardsson, Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Gustaf Nilsson, Benjamin Nygren.
Netherlands vs Sweden Prediction
Sweden impressed in their 5-1 demolition of Tunisia, but the Netherlands are a much tougher opponent. The Dutch will be desperate for a win after the late Japan equalizer. Yasin Ayari scored a brilliant double against Tunisia and will look to build on that, while the strike partnership of Isak and Gyokeres could trouble Virgil van Dijk and co. Expect a tight contest, with Sweden potentially pulling off an upset and putting the Netherlands on the brink of elimination. This could spell trouble for Ronald Koeman.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-2 Sweden
Head to Head (h2h) History and Results
- Netherlands wins: 9
- Sweden wins: 4
- Draws: 7
Netherlands vs Sweden Match Odds
- Netherlands to win: 4/6
- Sweden to win: 16/5
- Draw: 11/5
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