Rabat – The Netherlands face Sweden today at Houston Stadium in a major Group F match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sweden enter the game at the top of the group with three points after an impressive 5–1 win over Tunisia.
The Netherlands sit on one point after twice losing the lead in a 2-2 draw with Japan.
A win would send Sweden into the round of 32, while the Netherlands need a positive result before facing Tunisia in their final group match.
Match details:
- Fixture: Netherlands vs Sweden
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group F, Matchday 2
- Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston
- Date: Saturday, June 20
- Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. Morocco time / 5:00 p.m. GMT
- How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FOX Sports in the USA; BBC in the UK; NOS in the Netherlands
Netherlands team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Quinten Timber has been ruled out after suffering a mild concussion during training. His twin brother, Jurrien Timber, is already missing the tournament because of a groin injury.
Memphis Depay has also dealt with fitness problems and could again begin on the bench. No suspensions have been reported.
Recent Form: The Netherlands made a frustrating start against Japan. Ronald Koeman’s side led twice through Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville but could not protect their advantage.
The Dutch showed quality going forward, but their defensive control was not strong enough. Another draw would leave them under pressure heading into the final matchday, while defeat could place their qualification hopes in danger.
Key Players: Frenkie de Jong will be central to the Netherlands’ possession and build-up play. Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch must also compete with Sweden’s energetic midfield.
Cody Gakpo remains one of the main attacking threats, while captain Van Dijk faces a difficult battle against Sweden’s powerful strike partnership.
Likely XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo.
Sweden team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Sweden have no major new injury concerns and are expected to keep most of the team that produced their dominant opening victory.
Alexander Isak had an injury-disrupted club season but is available and expected to start alongside Viktor Gyökeres.
Recent Form: Sweden were one of the most impressive teams during the opening round, beating Tunisia 5–1.
Isak and Gyökeres both scored, while Yasin Ayari struck twice. The result placed Graham Potter’s team in control of Group F and gave them confidence before facing stronger opposition.
Key Players: Isak and Gyökeres provide Sweden with strength, movement, and finishing ability. Their battle against Van Dijk and the Dutch defense could decide the game.
Ayari will also be important after his excellent opening performance, while Victor Lindelöf brings leadership at the back.
Likely XI: Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf; Bernhardsson, Nygren, Karlström, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Isak, Gyökeres.
What to Expect
The Netherlands are expected to control more possession and attack through the wings. Koeman’s side must move the ball quickly and avoid leaving space behind their full-backs.
Sweden will be comfortable without the ball. Potter’s team can defend compactly before attacking directly through Isak and Gyökeres.
The main battle will be between the Dutch defense and Sweden’s two strikers. If the Netherlands cannot control them, Sweden have enough quality to punish every mistake.
Safe Bets
Both Teams to Score – Yes: Both sides showed attacking quality in their opening matches.
Over 2.5 Goals: The Netherlands conceded twice against Japan, while Sweden scored five against Tunisia.
Alexander Isak to Score: The Swedish striker enters the match with confidence after scoring in the opener.
Prediction: Netherlands 2–2 Sweden.
