The Dutch, after reaching the Euro semifinals, qualified for the World Cup with ease, topping their group with 20 points from eight matches—three more than Poland. However, in 2026, they had a couple of disappointing friendly results, managing only a draw with Ecuador and even losing to Algeria. Against Uzbekistan, they barely scraped a win at the end. So it’s no surprise that they started the tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Japan.
Sweden had a poor standard qualification campaign, finishing last in their group with just two points from six matches. However, advancing via the “Nations League Path” to the March playoffs, they defeated both Ukraine and Poland. Still, in their last training camp, they lost to Norway and only drew with Greece in friendlies. Already at the World Cup, almost everything worked in their opener against Tunisia—they routed their opponent 5-1.
Koeman’s side averages 2.3 goals scored and concedes 0.9 per match. Gyökeres and company average 1.6 goals scored and concede 1.9.
Head-to-Head: Netherlands vs Sweden
The Dutch have won three of the last five meetings, losing just once.
The Dutch are widely expected to win. However, given their inconsistency, it’s safer to bet on “total over 2.5 goals” (odds – 1.9).
Netherlands vs Sweden: Key Stats and Trends
Netherlands have not won in three of their last four matches
60% of Netherlands’ matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 3.2
Sweden had not won two games in a row before thrashing Tunisia
70% of Sweden’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 3.5
Netherlands vs Sweden: Probable Starting Lineups
Netherlands are expected to play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Verbruggen – van de Ven, van Dijk, van Hecke, Dumfries – Reijnders, de Jong, Gravenberch – Gakpo, Malen, Summerville. Timber had to be removed from the squad list.
Sweden are expected to line up in a 1-3-1-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Nordfeldt – Lindelöf, Hien, Lagerbielke – Karlström – Ayari, Nygren, Gudmundsson, Bernhardsson – Isak, Gyökeres. There are some doubts regarding Gudmundsson’s fitness.
