Netherlands will aim to bounce back from a frustrating opening draw when they face Sweden in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F clash at NRG Stadium in Houston, USA on Friday.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Oranje let a lead slip in their 2-2 draw with Japan in the Group F opener on 14 June and they are unbeaten in their last two matches, including a solid pre-tournament win over Uzbekistan on 8 June.
As the group favourites with a star-studded squad led by Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands currently sit third on the standings — two points behind leaders Sweden — and desperately need a win to strengthen their chances of progressing to the Round of 32.
Meanwhile, Sweden made a powerful statement with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their Group F opener on 14 June and they are also unbeaten in their last two games, following a friendly draw with Greece on 4 June.
That impressive win over Tunisia has significantly boosted Blågult's confidence and a victory against Netherlands should secure their place in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
TEAM NEWS
Memphis Depay came off the bench against Japan due to a lingering thigh muscle injury and it remains to be seen whether Ronald Koeman will give the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer a starting berth against Sweden.
On the other hand, Sweden enjoyed a largely clean bill of health for their win over Tunisia and were able to field a strong, near full-strength squad.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk
“It was an important opener, but we conceded too quickly after that. That’s something that I’m not happy about,” Van Dijk said.
"The reality is that we have one point and now we have to move on. Two more tough games ahead of us and if we want to achieve something special, then we have to win our next two games.”
Sweden head coach Graham Potter
“I’m really pleased with the players because they’ve put a lot into our work over the last two and a half, nearly three weeks together. They’ve taken steps and steps and steps. All credit to them," Potter said.
“We face a different opponent in the next game. The Netherlands can be a fantastic evening, a fantastic game. So we’re really looking forward to that.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands: The inspirational captain and towering defender powered home his 13th international goal with a thumping header in the draw against Japan, underlining his enduring aerial dominance and earning Man of the Match.
The Netherlands captain will once again look to win his duels in the air against Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, while posing a major threat from set-pieces.
Alexander Isak, Sweden: The lanky striker is Sweden's dangerman, having showcased his scoring prowess and creativity by scoring and providing two assists against Tunisia, which earned him the Man of the Match award. Isak will look to exploit spaces behind the Netherlands defence, linking up dangerously with Viktor Gyökeres while posing a constant aerial and ground threat from open play and set-pieces.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Netherlands lead Sweden in the all-time head-to-head record across 25 meetings, with 12 wins to Sweden’s eight and five draws.
Their most recent encounter was in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in October 2017, when the Dutch secured a comfortable 2-0 home victory with a brace from Arjen Robben.
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