The Netherlands could be made to rue conceding a late equaliser against Japan as they must now face a Sweden side who look hell bent on making the most of their World Cup reprieve. In most other years, Sweden would have been watching this summer’s showpiece on TV following a disastrous qualifying campaign that saw them pick up just two points from a possible 18.
But thanks to their Nations League results the Swedes made the play-offs, where victories over Ukraine and Poland saw them secure their place in North America. And Graham Potter ’s side got their finals campaign off to a flying start with a 5-1 mauling of Tunisia , leaving them two points clear of the Netherlands and Japan , who drew 2-2 in Texas .
The Dutch twice surrendered the lead in that match and we can see more frustration in store for them against the rejuvenated Scandinavians, with our opening Netherlands vs Sweden prediction being both teams to score in a score draw at 4/1 .
Betting Odds
Netherlands vs Sweden Betting Odds - 2026 World Cup
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Netherlands | 4/6 | 60% |
Sweden | 15/4 | 21.1% |
Draw | 11/4 | 26.7% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Netherlands are 4/6 favourites to beat Sweden , who are 15/4 to win, with the draw at 11/4.
How to Watch
How to watch Netherlands vs Sweden
The World Cup Group F match is scheduled to begin at 18:00 BST on Saturday and will be shown live on BBC1.
Early Payout Offer
2+ Goals Early Payout at BOYLE Sports
Forget the sweat with BOYLE Sports' Early Payout offer! Back a team in the match betting market and if they go 2 goals ahead at any stage during the 90 minutes, your bet is settled as a winner, regardless of the final score. T&Cs apply.
Form Guides
Netherlands form guide
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands World Cup 2026 side had few issues qualifying for the 2026 finals , picking up 20 points from a possible 24 and outscoring their group opponents by a combined 27-4 goals, but their form this year has been patchy. Having edged out Norway 2-1, they were held 1-1 by Ecuador before losing 1-0 to Algeria in Rotterdam. They then needed a 98th-minute Cody Gakpo penalty to beat Uzbekistan in their final World Cup warm-up.
Their opening Group F match against Japan did not quite go to plan either, twice taking the lead through Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville only to be pegged back both times, with Daichi Kamada’s 88th-minute leveller a late blow. A draw against Japan is not a bad result, but much will depend on how the Dutch follow it up against Sweden and Tunisia .
Donyell Malen was unable to score in that game but, having struck 15 times in just 20 matches for Roma since joining on loan from Aston Villa in January, he is a man in form and is 9/2 to open the scoring on Saturday. The Netherlands ' all-time record scorer Memphis Depay , who replaced Malen in the second half, is 7/5 while Liverpool defender Van Dijk is 11/2 to add to an impressive 11-goal haul for club and country over the last year.
Sweden form guide
Sweden have had a love-hate relationship with the World Cup . They have failed to qualify for almost half of the 23 finals, but of those they did participate in, the Swedes have finished runners-up in 1958 , third (twice), fourth and been quarter-finalists a further three times.
They have only failed to progress beyond the first stage on three occasions, and have given themselves a great chance of continuing that record this year after thrashing Tunisia .
Yasin Ayari scored a brace while Alexander Isak , Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg were also on the mark as Sweden ran up five goals in a World Cup fixture for the first time since 1938 .
Gyokeres was Sweden’s hero in the play-offs, netting a hat-trick against Ukraine and then an 88th-minute winner against Poland , and we fancy the Arsenal man to do the business against the Netherlands too @ 2/1 in our World Cup tips today .
Isak also looks back to form after injury, netting three times in his last five appearances, and he is 11/2 to score against a Dutch side that could include his Liverpool team-mates Van Dijk , Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo .
Betting Tips
Netherlands vs Sweden Betting Tips
Both teams to score and draw @ 4/1
Donyell Malen to open scoring @ 9/2
Viktor Gyokeres to score @ 2/1
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
