The Netherlands and Sweden are set to face off in their second Group F game of the 2026 World Cup, with the Dutch aiming to recover from a disappointing draw in their opening match.
Match Overview
Japan twice came from behind to hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw last week, with Daichi Kamada scoring a dramatic 89th-minute equaliser. The result drew criticism of head coach Ronald Koeman, particularly his decision to substitute Ryan Gravenberch for defender Nathan Ake late on, which invited pressure and led to Japan's corner from which Kamada scored. The dropped points mean the Netherlands must win this match to avoid a tense final group game.
Sweden, meanwhile, can secure a spot in the knockout stages with a victory. They thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their opener, with Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres both finding the net in a dominant performance. It marks a strong return to the World Cup for the Scandinavians, whose only previous appearance in the last 20 years was at Russia 2018.
The Netherlands boast significant 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 be held at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
How to Watch for Free
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 5:30pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can watch online via BBC iPlayer or the BBC website.
Live blog: Standard Sport will provide a live blog covering all the action.
Free highlights: Highlights will be available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, as well as BBC iPlayer and their websites.
Team News
Netherlands: Xavi Simons is out 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 Jurrien Timber also misses out due to a groin injury that kept him out of Arsenal's run-in; he has been replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida. Quinten Timber, Jurrien's twin brother, will 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: Sweden have no fresh injury concerns but remain without Dejan Kulusevski, who has not played any football for club or country in over a year due to persistent injury setbacks and surgeries. Isak was seen training alone after the Tunisia match, but the Swedish FA confirmed he is 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.
Prediction
Sweden impressed with a 5-1 win over Tunisia, but the Netherlands represent a much tougher challenge. The Dutch will be eager to secure their first win after the late equalizer against Japan. Yasin Ayari, who scored a brilliant double against Tunisia, will look to build on that performance, while the strike partnership of Isak and Gyokeres could trouble Virgil van Dijk and the Dutch defence.
This is expected to be a tight contest, with Sweden potentially pulling off an upset and putting the Netherlands on the brink of elimination. Pressure will mount on Ronald Koeman if the Dutch fail to win.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-2 Sweden
Head-to-Head History
- Netherlands wins: 9
- Sweden wins: 4
- Draws: 7
Match Odds
- Netherlands to win: 4/6
- Sweden to win: 16/5
- Draw: 11/5
Odds via UK betting sites and subject to change. Always gamble responsibly.
