Van Dijk plays today.Dutch captain and defender Virgil van Dijk is listed, is part of the probable lineups and should lead the Netherlands’ defense against Sweden, in the second round of Group F of the 2026 World Cup.
The game takes place at 2pm (Brasília time) this Saturday (20), at NRG Stadium, in Houston, United States. It is a direct confrontation that can shape the classification in the group.
Sweden arrives as Group F leader with three points and a positive balance of +4, after a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia. The Netherlands picked up just one point in the 2-2 draw with Japan and are looking to recover.
Van Dijk should be a starter
Virgil van Dijk, pillar of the Dutch defense, has no physical problems and should form a defensive duo with Jan Paul van Hecke or similar. His presence is essential to contain the Swedish offensive power, especially the duo Isak and Gyökeres.
Holland’s probable lineup(Ronald Koeman): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Summerville, Gakpo, Malen. Absence: Quinten Timber (concussion). Hanging: Van de Ven, Summerville and Memphis.
Sweden likely(Graham Potter): Nordfeldt; Bernhardsson, Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Karlström, Nygren, Ayari; Isak, Gyökeres. No embezzlements.
What’s at stake
Sweden’s victory brings the team closer to the round of 16. For the Netherlands, led on the field by Van Dijk, a positive result is essential to keep their chances alive and avoid pressure in the last round. The duel tests Dutch experience against Swedish momentum.
Where to watch: Cazé TV (YouTube). Follow in real time on the main sports websites.
Arbitration: Michael Oliver (England), assistants Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring (England). Fourth referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa).