Netherlands vs Sweden predictions, as two European heavyweights do battle

Liverpool and Netherlands international Cody Gakpo — Cody Gakpo of Netherlands (Image credit: Getty Images)

World Cup 2026 continues with the Netherlands vs Sweden.

The Netherlands got off to a tough start in their first match, with just a 1-1 draw to open their campaign, while Sweden got off to such a flyer that Tunisia sacked their manager in response to the thrashing.

With these two sides vying for top spot in the group, who will come out on top?

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Netherlands vs Sweden odds from BOYLE SPORTS

Netherlands WIN - 8/13
Draw - 3/1
Sweden WIN - 15/4

Netherlands vs Sweden predictions

Viktor Gy&ouml;keres of Sweden celebrates after scorin — Viktor Gyokeres got Sweden off to a great start (Image credit: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

This one could well be attack vs defence: the Dutch are stacked in defence – with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven and Nathan Ake to choose from – while the Swedes' biggest strength obviously lies in their attacking talents.

The Netherlands have tweaked their system: with Brian Brobbey starting up front rather than Donyell Malen, they have an outlet to hold the ball up and occupy the Swedish centre-backs, with Malen and Cody Gakpo scope to run beyond or combine.

While Graham Potter's defence isn't the strongest in the competition, they'll be more than happy to soak up pressure from an attack that perhaps needs the space to unleash Malen in behind if they're going to be successful.

And of course, Sweden know that with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres on the counter, there's plenty of space to run into behind the Dutch.

Neither of these sides are watertight defensively: we predict goals, in a game that really could swing either way.

Score prediction: Netherlands 3-2 Sweden

Japan vs Netherlands at World Cup 2026 — The Dutch opened their account with a draw (Image credit: Aric Becker / AFP via Getty Images)

This is a deceptively tricky group, but given that the Netherlands have the stronger back four and a midfield that wants to dominate possession, we're going to back them to get a win in this one.

You can never write the Swedes off though, and with given that the NRG Stadium has climate control, this should be a fixture in which both teams can throw the kitchen sink without having to account for the heat.

How to watch Netherlands vs Sweden

You can watch Netherlands vs Sweden in Group F of World Cup 2026 for free. All the information you need is in our how to watch guide.

The match will be broadcast live on ITV and STV in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.

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Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names.