Watch the Netherlands and every other team at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live in India on ZEE 5 — stream every match as it happens.
Canada scored six goals in their match against Qatar. Portugal put five past Uzbekistan in a single game. But the performance of Week 2 at FIFA World Cup 2026™ that deserves the most careful examination belongs to neither of them. Netherlands went to the Houston Stadium and dismantled Sweden 5-1. Five goals. Against a team that is considerably better than their tournament standing currently suggests. That is the achievement that earns the Netherlands our Team of the Week.
Why Sweden Changes Everything
To understand what the Netherlands did, you first have to understand who they did it to. Sweden are not a team to be taken lightly — a fact that will become obvious to anyone paying attention to the Group H table. They scored five goals themselves against Tunisia in MD1.
The reason is not hard to find. Sweden carry two of Europe’s most lethal forwards. Alexander Isak, Newcastle United’s Swedish striker, has been one of the Premier League’s most clinical finishers over the past two seasons — a tall, technically elegant forward who scores goals that look simple until you realise nobody else was in that position, taking that touch, making that decision. Viktor Gyökeres is the other. The Sporting CP striker has been relentlessly prolific in Portugal’s top flight, and he carried that form into this tournament with menace. Sweden’s attack is genuinely world-class.
Win against Sweden
Against that backdrop, what the Netherlands produced becomes even more impressive. Five goals scored. One conceded. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was composed and commanding whenever called upon. The defence — marshalled with authority throughout — denied Isak and Gyökeres the space and service they thrive on. When Sweden found moments of promise, the Dutch defensive structure quickly and intelligently closed them down.
Going forward, the Netherlands were relentless. Their attacking transitions were fast, their movement between the lines was sharp, and their finishing was clinical. This is a team with quality through every line — pace in behind, creativity in midfield, physicality in the press. The 5-1 scoreline was not flattering. It was accurate.
Watch Netherlands vs Sweden Match Highlight Free, Only on ZEE5.
Watch the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live on ZEE5 FIFA Subscription with the Rs. 799 quarterly plan or the Rs. 1,699 annual subscription.
The Japan Draw, Revisited
After their opening 1-1 draw with Japan in MD1, the criticism came quickly. Netherlands were sluggish, they said. They lacked ideas. The draw flattered them. The Sweden result has not just answered those critics — it has changed the question entirely. Look at what Japan are doing in this tournament. They beat Tunisia 4-0. They beat Tunisia 4-0. They drew with a Netherlands side that then beat Sweden by 4. Japan are a serious, well-organised, tactically intelligent team. Holding the Netherlands to a draw is not a failure for Japan. It is evidence of how good they are.
Watch Japan vs Tunisia Match Highlight Free, Only on ZEE5.
The Netherlands result against Japan looks better every time another match is played. And the Netherlands themselves look better with every game. That is the most encouraging sign of all: this team appears to be improving.
A Complete Team, Not Just a Collection of Stars
What separates the Netherlands from some of their rivals is the sense that this is a genuinely coordinated unit rather than a group of talented individuals performing alongside each other. The full-backs contribute to build-up and to attack. The midfield controls tempo and presses with collective discipline. The forwards move with purpose and create for each other as much as they finish individually. Virgil van Dijk provides the defensive anchor and the aerial authority that make set pieces a weapon in both directions.
There will be harder tests ahead — in the Round of 32 and beyond. But on the evidence of Week 2, the Netherlands are exactly the kind of team that is difficult to prepare for, difficult to play against, and very difficult to beat over 90 minutes. Do not be surprised if they go deep in this tournament. Very deep.
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live on ZEE 5 — every match, every team, all the way to the Final at MetLife Stadium.
Disclaimer: Subscription pack prices are subject to change from time to time. Please visit the subscription page for the most up-to-date pricing information.