World Cup 2026: Netherlands vs Sweden prediction, schedules, key highlights

Published 20 June 2026 · sports

World Cup day 10 features Netherlands-Sweden as the USA reach the knockout stage and Brazil move closer to qualification. Day 10 of the World Cup

World Cup day 10 features Netherlands-Sweden as the USA reach the knockout stage and Brazil move closer to qualification. Day 10 of the World Cup 2026 features four more group-stage matches, headlined by a meeting between the Netherlands and Sweden in Houston. Germany face Ivory Coast in Toronto, Ecuador take on Curacao in Kansas City, and Tunisia meet Japan in Monterrey. Away from the action, the US booked their place in the knockout stage with a win over Australia, while Brazil moved closer to qualification. Algeria have reportedly complained to FIFA over refereeing decisions in their defeat to Argentina, and questions continue to be asked about the rising cost of attending matches in Vancouver. What is the schedule for Saturday? Netherlands vs Sweden at Houston Stadium, Texas, in the United States at 1pm EDT (17:00 GMT) Germany vs Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium, Canada at 4pm (20:00 GMT) Ecuador vs Curacao at Kansas City Stadium, in the United States at 8pm EDT (00:00 GMT on Sunday) Tunisia vs Japan at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico at midnight EDT (06:00 GMT on Sunday) What are the predictions for Netherlands vs Sweden? The Netherlands and Sweden have met 20 times, most recently in a 2-0 Dutch win during 2018 World Cup qualifying in 2017. Sweden have won just one of their last seven meetings with the Oranje. Despite Sweden’s strong opening win over Tunisia, the Netherlands are favourites. Opta’s supercomputer gives the Dutch a 55.9 percent chance of victory, compared with 20.8 percent for Sweden, while a draw is rated at 23.3 percent. What are the predictions for Ecuador vs Curacao? This will be the first meeting between Ecuador and Curacao. Ecuador are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against CONCACAF opponents, winning seven and drawing six. Ecuador are overwhelming favourites, winning 86.1 percent of Opta’s 25,000 simulations. A draw is rated at 9.2 percent, while Curacao have just a 4.7 percent chance of victory. However, this World Cup has already produced a few surprises, offering hope to the underdogs. What are the predictions for Germany vs Ivory Coast? Germany and Ivory Coast have met only once before, drawing 2-2 in a friendly in 2009. Germany have generally fared well against African opposition at the World Cup, losing just one of eight such matches.

Opta’s supercomputer makes Germany favourites, giving them a 44.4 percent chance of victory. Ivory Coast are rated at 30.0 percent, while a draw stands at 25.6 percent. The Elephants will be looking to make history, having never won two matches at a single World Cup. What are the predictions for Tunisia vs Japan? Japan have dominated this fixture, winning five of their six meetings with Tunisia. Tunisia’s lone victory came in a friendly in 2022. Despite Tunisia’s recent coaching change, Japan are favourites. Opta’s supercomputer gives them a 61.3 percent chance of victory, with a draw at 22.9 percent and Tunisia at 15.8 percent. What else is shaping the World Cup? Meet Osito, the World Cup’s latest viral star Mexico’s fans have found a new World Cup mascot in Osito, an eight-year-old rescue dog who went viral after arriving at the tournament opener riding in a cargo bicycle while dressed in a Mexico shirt, sunglasses and a cap. Owned by Mexico City delivery worker Jorge Rangel, Osito accompanies him on his daily rounds and has quickly become a fan favourite, attracting crowds of supporters and widespread attention on social media. Norwegian fans stage viking row in Times Square Norway’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence has brought a wave of travelling supporters to the US, where fans have embraced the occasion with Viking-inspired chants and celebrations that have quickly become a hit with locals. First red card under World Cup’s new mouth-covering rule Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off under the World Cup’s new mouth-covering rule after receiving a straight red card during his side’s win over Turkiye. The midfielder was dismissed following a confrontation with Mert Muldur in first-half stoppage time, with VAR upholding the decision. The rule mandates a red card for players who cover their mouths with a hand, arm or shirt during confrontational incidents. The change was introduced after concerns that players could conceal offensive or discriminatory comments by covering their mouths during on-field disputes. Under the new guidelines, referees can issue a straight red card when a player deliberately obscures their mouth during a confrontation. United States advance despite Pulisic absence The US secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage without injured captain Christian Pulisic, beating Australia 2-0 to make it two wins from two in Group D.