Netherlands arrive at NRG Stadium in Houston this evening in need of a significant response following a frustrating tournament opener.
Ronald Koeman watched his side squander two separate leads against Japan, with defensive lapses ultimately costing them a win they should have secured. The draw leaves the Oranje chasing top spot in Group F and increases the pressure considerably heading into tonight’s clash with Sweden. Koeman will demand greater defensive discipline and clinical finishing if the Netherlands are to take all three points.
Netherlands team news
Koeman has been dealt a midfield blow with Quinten Timber officially ruled out of the Sweden clash after suffering a concussion. In his absence, the midfield trio of Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch remains unchanged, and the three will be tasked with controlling the tempo and limiting Sweden’s access to possession.
Defensively, Jan Paul van Hecke partners Micky van de Ven in central defence, with captain Virgil van Dijk marshalling the unit. Both van Hecke and van Dijk will be eager to atone for the errors that proved costly against Japan. Denzel Dumfries continues at right-back. Bart Verbruggen starts in goal behind a back line under close scrutiny.
In attack, Koeman turns to pace and directness on the flanks. Crysencio Summerville, who opened his international goalscoring account against Japan, keeps his place on the left. Cody Gakpo provides threat on the opposite flank, with Donyell Malen preferred over Memphis Depay through the middle.
Netherlands predicted lineup
Netherlands possible starting XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
When does the match kick off?
The Group F fixture kicks off at 18:00 BST this evening, Saturday, 20 June 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston.
How to watch Netherlands vs Sweden?
UK viewers can watch the match live and free-to-air on BBC One, with a live stream available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
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