- Recent form: Sweden have won three of their last five, scoring 14 goals in that time.
- Form: Sweden have won one and lost one of their two games away from home.
- Recent results: Netherlands have drawn two, won two and lost one of their last five in all competitions, scoring six goals in that run.
Sweden enter the game with momentum
Sweden top the standings in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 5-1 blowout win over Tunisia, while the Netherlands are in third after drawing 2-2 with Japan. Graham Potter has made Sweden a pragmatic team first and foremost, with a compact mid-to-low block out of possession but a real knack for creating chances on the transition, with the ball moved quickly to the front two and into the vertical spaces.
Sweden have scored 14 goals across their last five matches, winning three. They bounced back from a 3-1 defeat away to Norway by beating Greece 2-0 before thumping Tunisia and they could well take the spoils against a Netherlands team that have been very average since their 0-1 defeat to Algeria. Koeman's men picked up where they left off by edging Uzbekistan 2-1 and then battled for a 2-2 draw with their fellow Group F rivals, Japan.
Koeman can't find the right rhythm
Tactical approach:
Ronald Koeman's side are usually the pace setters of the game and they dictate the flow by controlling possession, while they can also change shape effectively depending on the opponent. They're flexible in the final third and can play through the wings with good energy or sit back in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or three-at-the-back system.
Players and form:
Netherlands look good in spells but are still lacking cohesion as a unit, although the addition of Virgil van Dijk has given them a defensive threat and the former Liverpool man has scored two goals in their last five. Crysencio Summerville is the top scorer in Group F for the Dutch with one goal in one game, while Ryan Gravenberch has contributed two assists to a side that looks most effective when the creative midfielders play off the wingers.
Betting strategy
With Group F up for grabs, this will be a real game for both sides, although the other side has shown the more ruthless nature in their recent results. The matchup in Houston should be open and free-flowing with plenty of goals, as Sweden look to double-up on the points against the Orange Army.
- Graham Potter's teams are usually structured and unpredictable but the presence of Yasin Ayari – the Group F top scorer with two goals in one appearance – and Viktor Gyökeres – six goals in the last five – have made them unpredictable and much more dangerous in the transition.
- Sweden are a slight favourite for the win at 4.6, with over 2.5 goals at 1.91 and both teams to score – yes at 1.83 as the main selections.
- Sweden have got the clinical edge in the forward line right now and their direct style of play could unsettle the Dutch, who often like to bring the pace to the play.
