Netherlands face Sweden in World Cup group stage after opening draw

SALADIN, Iraq — The Netherlands meet Sweden in the second round of 2026 World Cup group-stage play on Wednesday, looking to recover from a 2-2 opening draw. The Group F match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. Baghdad time at NRG Stadium in Houston. Sweden top the group after beating its first opponent 5-1, while the Netherlands sit on one point from the opening match. Midfielder Quinten Timber was ruled out of the squad after sustaining a mild concussion in training. In Group E, Germany and Ivory Coast, both winners of their opening matches, meet at BMO Field in Toronto at 11:00 p.m. Baghdad time. Germany beat Curaçao 7-1 and Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0. The winner of the match will strengthen its position in the race to advance to the round of 16.