Netherlands vs Sweden: a top-of-the-group clash

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F, two European sides meet in Houston on Saturday. The Netherlands seek their first win of the tournament against current group leaders Sweden, as the race for top spot heats up.

Conceding late to Japan in their opener proved costly for the Oranje, who now chase top spot. Ronald Koeman's men were not wholly convincing in the 2-2 draw last Sunday, but are still regarded as favourites to win the group. Sweden surprised many with a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia, the Premier League trio of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Yasin Ayari all on the scoresheet. But Graham Potter knows a much sterner test awaits at the NRG Stadium.

Victory would be enough for Sweden to reach the last 32 and would clinch top spot if combined with a Tunisia draw or win against Japan later in the day. The Netherlands cannot secure passage on Saturday but would take a big step towards the knockouts with three precious points.

According to SI.com, Sweden — who salvaged a dismal qualifying campaign via the UEFA playoffs — silenced some critics against Tunisia. But despite firing in five, it's unclear how they will cope against stronger opposition. Tunisia are Group F's weakest team, and beating them is no benchmark. The Dutch will not give Sweden as much freedom in the final third while posing a fierce attacking threat themselves.

With neither side fully comfortable defensively but boasting many routes to goal, a thriller looks likely. On paper the Netherlands have one of the strongest defences, yet Koeman's side have rarely convinced at the back, without a clean sheet in five games. Sweden have similar struggles, with no clean sheet in Potter's seven matches in charge.

Koeman is reluctant to change the XI used against Japan but will demand more from his attackers. Donyell Malen should start up top, flanked by Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville. There will be two Tottenham defenders this time: Jan Paul van Hecke, a £60m signing from Brighton, has joined compatriot Micky van de Ven at Spurs. For Sweden, Potter should stick with the team that dismantled Tunisia, with Isak and Gyökeres again up front.

SI.com predict 3-2 to the Netherlands.

Predicted XIs
Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Sweden (3-5-2): Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf; Bernhardsson, Nygren, Karlström, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Gyökeres, Isak

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated