The Netherlands meeting with Sweden will feature four Liverpool players across the two teams. Virgil Van Dijk scored against Japan, though they were held to a 2-2 draw. While Alexander Isak was lethal for Graham Potter’s side as they won 5-1 against Tunisia.
Both sides will be hoping to get a win, with three points being crucial to both countries’ World Cup dreams. A win for Sweden will confirm a place in the knockout stages for the first time since 2018. While the Dutch need a result to ensure they can finish inside the top two, rather than relying on other groups.
Ronald Koeman will also have Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch as possible selections. The midfielder grabbed two assists and was highly effective in their opening World Cup fixture. However, Gakpo received a lot of criticism from supporters. His form at the Reds has been poor this season, and that was translated against the Asian outfit.
The Liverpool record transfer was a key player against Tunisia. He grabbed himself two assists, whilst scoring an amazing goal. His performance reminded a lot of Kopites of the player they had signed from Newcastle last summer. Injuries had derailed his opening campaign at Anfield; now they hope he has moved past them.
Ahead of the match, his club teammate, Gakpo, spoke highly of him and how the Dutch must deal with him. Reported by beIN SPORTS, he said, “We were very happy that he returned and at the end [of the season] he was fit, he scored some goals, and he played well.
“And then, obviously, he started the tournament very well with his performance. I think everybody knows how good a player he is. We need to look out for him.”
How to watch
- Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Kickoff time: 12 pm local time (CT) / 6 pm BST
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- TV/Streaming: Zee5, Fox (US), BBC (UK)
Recent form guide
Netherlands: With the quality of Koeman’s squad, and after the 2022 run, they were expected to do well. However, in their meeting with Japan, they came across as extremely underwhelming. A lack of attacking intensity allowed the Asian side to come back into the match. A late goal from Daichi Kamada was well deserved. Prior to the tournament, their form was ropey to say the least.
Sweden: After failing to reach Qatar, they were a slightly unknown entity. The relationship between Victor Gyokeres and Isak was crucial for their chances, and they were dominant. Their 5-1 result meant the Tunisia manager was sacked. Against a tougher opponent, it will be tough after losing to Greece and Norway in the warm-up matches.
| Team | Result | Possession | Shots | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | D 2-2 | 60% | 10 | 0.78 |
| Sweden | W 5-1 | 49% | 13 | 1.33 |
Injuries, absenses and suspensions
Despite his amazing start, there are slight fears for Isak, and it comes in the form of an injury. He trained away from the main team, though there is an internal belief that he will be good to go. One man who is a serious risk for Potter’s side is Gabriel Gudmundsson, who came off with a niggle in their previous match. Netherlands will have a full fit side.
Netherlands
- None
Sweden
- Gudmundsson
Predicted starting XI
Donyell Malen has been a star at Roma, but he had little impact against Japan. Koeman may look to call on the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer, Memphis Depay. Despite a tough 90 for Gakpo, his World Cup record has been quite remarkable.
After impressing in their first outing, it is hard to imagine a lot of change coming for Sweden. With the Liverpool man scoring a goal and looking like he would be available, Potter will have him lead the line with Gyokeres once again.
Netherlands predicted XI (4-3-3)
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Summerville, Depay, Gakpo
Sweden predicted XI (3-5-2)
Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Bernhardsson, Nygren, Karlstrom, Ayari, Stroud; Isak, Gyokeres
ReadLiverpool verdict
Prior to the tournament beginning, a lot would have expected the Netherlands to run away in the group phase. However, after a poor performance, that idea has changed, and with Sweden’s destruction, the Scandinavians may go in as slight favourites.
The Liverpool players will be hoping to be the stars of the show again. Gakpo was quiet against Japan, but he will be hoping he can kick start his World Cup form, to edge the Dutch ahead in Group F.
