World Cup 2026: Netherlands and Sweden in thrilling head-to-head duel in Houston

On Saturday, second-round matches were held in the World Cup in Groups E and F, with the main fixtures being Netherlands-Sweden and Germany-Ivory Coast. Additionally, Iran's national team has raised a dispute with FIFA over unfair treatment due to US travel restrictions, and Turkey has found itself on the brink of elimination before the final group stage match.

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the World Cup second round continues with matches, with attention focused on the Netherlands versus Sweden encounter taking place in Houston and later Germany's clash with Ivory Coast.

Dutch fans conquer Houston

Dutch supporters gathered in Houston in traditional orange attire, filling the city with their enthusiasm just hours before the match begins. Sweden awaited its opponent with fresh energy, hoping to continue the tournament with a successful start.

In the second match of the day, Germany faced off against Ivory Coast. The Germans opened the tournament impressively, crushing Curaçao 7:1 in the first round.

Iran files complaint with FIFA

One of the sharpest sidelines of the World Cup concerns the situation of Iran's national team. Iran and the US are in political conflict, which is why Iran's national team is forced to base itself in Mexico and can only enter the US shortly before matches. The team intended to file a complaint with FIFA, arguing that US travel restrictions are harming the team's preparation.

The situation became particularly acute due to broken promises: the team had been told it could arrive in Los Angeles two days before the Belgium match, but later they were informed that only one day was permitted.

Turkey falls, players apologize to the nation

Turkey lost to Paraguay 0:1 and is now the second team alongside Haiti whose elimination is essentially confirmed before the final round. Players and the coach publicly expressed regret after the match.

Midfielder Arda Güler said: "We are very sad and we feel ashamed. We apologize to the entire nation. In future tournaments, we will do our best."

Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir added: "I apologize to my country. We wanted to make everyone proud, but we failed."

Head coach Vincenzo Montella defended his team: "The team showed its heart and fought to the last breath. Sometimes the best team simply doesn't win, that is sport."

Neymar returns against Scotland

Positive news came from Brazil's camp: star Neymar, who has been absent from the first two matches due to a calf injury, is expected to take the field in Brazil's final group stage match against Scotland. Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed to ESPN that the 34-year-old forward will join the team's training on Monday and will be ready for the Scotland match.

Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading international goalscorer, with 79 goals in 129 matches.