Netherlands vs Sweden

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World Cup · Jun 20, 2026 · 17:00 · NRG Stadium

Final score: Netherlands 5–1 Sweden

Match preview

The World Cup 2026 kicks off for Netherlands and Sweden on June 20th in what promises to be a fascinating Group Stage encounter. With both nations entering the tournament with a blank slate – no wins, draws, or losses to their name yet – this opening fixture is crucial for setting the tone. The Netherlands, historically a powerhouse, will be keen to assert their dominance early, especially given the 50% home win probability.

Sweden, often a disciplined and resilient opponent, will look to disrupt the Dutch rhythm and exploit any early tournament jitters. Recent head-to-head results offer a mixed picture; while the Netherlands secured a comfortable 2-0 victory previously, a 1-1 draw suggests Sweden is more than capable of holding their own. This encounter will likely be a tactical battle in midfield, with both teams eager to control possession. Watch for early pressing from the Dutch and Sweden's counter-attacking threats as they aim to register their first points in a challenging World Cup group.

Standings

Netherlands: #1 · 7 Pts · 3 P (2W 1D 0L)
Sweden: #3 · 4 Pts · 3 P (1W 1D 1L)

Recent form

Netherlands

D Jun 14, 2026: Netherlands 2–2 Japan

Sweden

W Jun 15, 2026: Sweden 5–1 Tunisia

Head-to-head

2017-10-10T18:45:00+00:00: Netherlands 2–0 Sweden
2016-09-06T18:45:00+00:00: Sweden 1–1 Netherlands

Lineups

Netherlands (Formation: 4-3-3)

1. B. Verbruggen, 22. D. Dumfries, 6. J. P. van Hecke, 4. V. van Dijk, 15. M. van de Ven, 8. R. Gravenberch, 21. F. de Jong, 14. T. Reijnders, 24. C. Summerville, 18. D. Malen, 11. C. Gakpo

Sweden (Formation: 3-1-4-2)

23. K. Nordfeldt, 2. G. Lagerbielke, 4. I. Hien, 3. V. Lindelof, 16. J. Karlstrom, 21. A. Bernhardsson, 10. B. Nygren, 18. Y. Ayari, 5. G. Gudmundsson, 17. V. Gyökeres, 9. A. Isak

Match events

5' Goal Normal Goal — B. Brobbey (Netherlands) (assists: C. Gakpo)
17' Goal Normal Goal — B. Brobbey (Netherlands) (assists: D. Dumfries)
46' subst Substitution 1 — D. Malen (Netherlands) (assists: C. Summerville)
47' Goal Normal Goal — C. Gakpo (Netherlands) (assists: D. Dumfries)
53' Card Yellow Card — G. Gudmundsson (Sweden)
54' Goal Normal Goal — C. Gakpo (Netherlands) (assists: C. Summerville)
55' subst Substitution 1 — A. Bernhardsson (Sweden) (assists: A. Elanga)
56' subst Substitution 2 — J. Karlstrom (Sweden) (assists: B. Zeneli)
56' subst Substitution 3 — B. Nygren (Sweden) (assists: L. Bergvall)
59' Goal Normal Goal — A. Elanga (Sweden) (assists: A. Isak)
59' subst Substitution 2 — F. de Jong (Netherlands) (assists: T. Koopmeiners)
59' subst Substitution 3 — T. Reijnders (Netherlands) (assists: G. Til)
72' subst Substitution 4 — B. Brobbey (Netherlands) (assists: M. Depay)
75' Card Yellow Card — Y. Ayari (Sweden)
79' subst Substitution 4 — Y. Ayari (Sweden) (assists: T. Ali)
80' Card Yellow Card — L. Bergvall (Sweden)
89' Goal Normal Goal — C. Summerville (Netherlands) (assists: M. Depay)
90' subst Substitution 5 — C. Gakpo (Netherlands) (assists: N. Lang)
90'+3 subst Substitution 5 — G. Gudmundsson (Sweden) (assists: E. Stroud)