Netherlands v Sweden – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (20/06/2026)

We’re in for a truly thrilling match in Houston between two classic and historic European sides, both looking for a win to put them in a strong position in Group F. The Netherlands and Sweden go into this clash in very different frames of mind. The Dutch drew 2–2 with Japan in their opening match and showed some weaknesses across all lines against a Japanese side that caused them problems. Sweden, meanwhile, kicked off their World Cup campaign with a stunning 5–1 thrashing of a disorganised Tunisia, a result that has boosted the confidence of a Scandinavian side that arrived at this tournament with doubts and only just made the cut.

Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side have serious problems with the flow of their play, and there is debate over the centre-forward position – a cause for concern that could take its toll on them during this tournament. The opposite is true of Graham Potter’s Sweden, who, with Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) and Alexander Isak (Liverpool), boast one of the best strike partnerships in the entire tournament.

I think it will be a very tactical, tight match in which both teams will start out showing a great deal of respect for their opponents. It’s important to bear in mind the group standings and the fixture list. Why? Because on the final matchday, the Netherlands face Tunisia and Sweden face Japan, so it’s quite possible that, depending on how the match unfolds, a draw could be seen as a good result that might allow both teams to harbour hopes of securing a strong position in the group and progressing to the round of 16.