Netherlands needs win against group-leading Sweden to keep World Cup 2026 hopes alive
After drawing Japan 2-2 in their opener, Ronald Koeman’s side faces a Sweden team that thrashed Tunisia 5-1. A defeat could leave the Dutch on the brink of elimination.
Group situation
Netherlands enters the second Group F matchday in Houston with a single point following a 2-2 draw against Japan. Sweden, by contrast, leads the group after a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, putting them three points clear. A win for Graham Potter’s side would guarantee a place in the round of 32, while another Dutch slip would leave the Oranje reliant on other results.
- Netherlands
- 1 points
- Sweden
- 3 points
Japan sits on one point alongside the Netherlands, while Tunisia has yet to earn a point. The last meeting between these two nations came during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, when Netherlands won the return leg after a draw in the first match, but Sweden ultimately advanced through the playoffs while the Dutch missed out.
Lineups and injuries
Koeman fields Bart Verbruggen in goal, with Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Micky van de Ven in defence. Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, and Tijjani Reijnders form the midfield, supporting forwards Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, and Cody Gakpo. Quinten Timber is out with a mild concussion, and Frenkie de Jong was doubtful earlier in the week. Sweden counters with Kristoffer Nordfeldt in goal; Gustaf Lagerbielke, Isak Hien, and Victor Nilsson Lindelöf at the back; and a front line led by Premier League strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres.
We want to put on a good show. We want to play well. We want to win, of course. We’re facing a top-level opponent. It’s going to be a fantastic match, a fantastic occasion.
What’s at stake
After letting a lead slip twice against Japan, the Dutch cannot afford another dropped result. Eight of their 11 starters in that match play in the English Premier League, but the team has yet to find its rhythm. Sweden, revitalised under Potter, showed clinical finishing against Tunisia and can seal qualification with a game to spare. Michael Oliver of England officiates the match, which kicks off at 19:00 local time in Houston’s NRG Stadium.
