Netherlands
Sweden
NRG Stadium in Houston hosts a fascinating second-round clash in Group F, as Sweden — sitting top of the group on three points after a stunning 5-1 win over Tunisia — face a Netherlands side who let two separate leads slip in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Japan. There is genuine pressure on Ronald Koeman's side here. Sitting third in the group on a single point, the Dutch know that a positive result against the tournament's form team in this group would settle nerves considerably ahead of the Tunisia finale on June 25.
Netherlands — Oranje
Koeman is predicted to retain the 4-2-3-1 that twice led against Japan, with Bart Verbruggen expected to return between the posts having recovered from the hip complaint that was a doubt before the tournament. The back four of Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Van Hecke and Dumfries remains unchanged, with the double pivot of Gravenberch and De Jong providing the platform in midfield.
In the advanced positions, Gakpo, Reijnders and Summerville continue to support lone striker Malen. The Japan game showed both the considerable quality and the defensive fragility in this Dutch squad — twice ahead, twice pegged back, in a match that produced genuine drama at both ends. With Timber, De Ligt, Simons and Schouten all unavailable through injury, the depth issues that hampered Koeman's preparations for the tournament remain a live concern. Van Dijk's leadership at the back will be more important than ever against a Sweden side with serious firepower up top.
The Dutch have never won the World Cup despite three runners-up finishes, including as recently as 2010, and reached the quarter-finals in 2022. A repeat of their slow start to the group would put real pressure on the must-win finale against Tunisia.
Sweden — Blågult
Graham Potter is predicted to make no changes to the 3-4-1-2 that produced a five-goal demolition of Tunisia — a remarkable response given Sweden's extraordinary route to this tournament, having finished bottom of their original qualifying group before sneaking through the Nations League play-off path. Nordfeldt in goal, Lagerbielke, Hien and Lindelöf at the back, with Gudmundsson and Bernhardsson providing width from wing-back positions.
Karlström and Ayari continue in central midfield, with Nygren in the number 10 role behind the devastating partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. That front two scored four of Sweden's five goals against Tunisia between them, and together they represent arguably the most clinical striking partnership outside of the tournament's traditional heavyweights. Sweden's underlying numbers from the Tunisia game were exceptional — high pressing intensity, rapid transitions, and a conversion rate that few sides in this tournament have matched.
Sweden's qualification story remains one of the most remarkable of the entire competition — the first nation in history to reach a World Cup having finished bottom of their initial qualifying group without a win. Whatever happens from here, this is already a campaign that has defied expectation.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Isak and Gyökeres vs the Netherlands centre-backs. Van Dijk and Van Hecke held up reasonably well against Japan's front line but were still breached twice. Isak and Gyökeres represent a sterner physical and technical test — Gyökeres's strength and aerial presence combined with Isak's movement and finishing creates a genuinely difficult problem to solve. If the Dutch back four can stay disciplined and limit the service into the box, they have the quality to contain Sweden's front two. If not, this could be a long afternoon in Houston.
Prediction
This is genuinely difficult to call. The Netherlands have more individual quality across the pitch, but their defensive frailties have been exposed twice already this tournament. Sweden's front two are in irresistible form, and Koeman's depleted squad may struggle to contain them for the full ninety minutes. Expect goals at both ends in what should be an entertaining contest.
Netherlands 2–2 Sweden — Gakpo, Malen — Gyökeres, Isak
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