Netherlands meet Sweden in a huge Group F showdown in the race to reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would see Netherlands leapfrog Sweden into top spot of the group, whilst Sweden can book their spot in the knockout stages with a game to spare with a win.
Team News
Quinten Timber is ruled out for Netherlands after he suffered a concussion during training, but manager – Ronald Koeman otherwise has no other injury concerns after their 2-2 draw against Japan.
Sweden have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 5-1 victory over Tunisia.
When is Kick-Off?
Netherlands face Sweden at NRG Stadium, Houston, on Saturday 20 June at 12pm CDT (6pm BST), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Netherlands drew 0-0 against Sweden in their only previous meeting at the World Cup Finals in 1974.
- Sweden are yet to beat Netherlands across both the World Cup Qualifying and Finals stages (D2, L1).
- No Dutch player had more shots on target against Japan than Donyell Malen who failed to score from his two shots on target.
- Alexander Isak was involved in three of Sweden’s five goals against Tunisia, as he scored one goal and contributed two assists.
Prediction
Having recovered from a sluggish goalless first half against Japan with a more energetic second-half display, Netherlands will of been disappointed to have twice let slender leads slip in their eventual 2-2 draw so I hope that we see more urgency and better defending here.
Sweden meanwhile turned out a clinically ruthless display to beat a pretty lacklustre Tunisia which will of done their confidence a massive world of good, and it was nice to see Isak back to his sharp best after a tough season but he needs to bring that quality here if they’re to have any chance.
In fact if the Dutch continue to look shaky defensively and Sweden’s attack is again sharp then I can see both teams picking up a point apiece.
Prediction: Netherlands 1-1 Sweden
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