Notable matches in the second round of the 2026 World Cup

Netherlands vs Sweden: Houston Stadium (USA) on June 20 (0:00 June 21 Vietnam time)

Two leading Nordic representatives will face off on American soil. Notably, it is the Netherlands that urgently needs a breakthrough performance to regain momentum.

After being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan, the Netherlands dropped to third place in Group F. Meanwhile, Sweden tops the group following a 5-1 victory over Tunisia.

At the 2026 World Cup, Sweden has displayed an attractive style of play. The strike duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have repeatedly troubled opposing defenses with their chemistry.

The Dutch defense, which showed several flaws in the match against Japan, will face an even greater challenge when taking on Sweden.

Germany vs Ivory Coast: Toronto Stadium (Canada) on June 20 (3:00 AM June 21 Vietnam time)

Germany showed no mercy as they crushed Curacao 7-1 in the Caribbean representative's tournament opener. Six different German players found the scoresheet.

This emphatic win reignited faith among German fans. However, the challenge in the second round against a youthful Ivory Coast side, featuring stars like Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande, will certainly not be as easy as their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

The clash in Toronto will be a showdown between the top two teams in Group E. Germany currently leads the group, with Ivory Coast in second. Both have three points, but Germany holds the advantage due to goal difference.

Spain vs Saudi Arabia: Atlanta Stadium (USA) on June 21 (23:00 same day Vietnam time)

After being unexpectedly held to a 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde, pressure is mounting on the Spanish team to rediscover their winning form. The EURO 2024 champions were once considered one of the top contenders to lift the 2026 World Cup trophy, but their shaky start has raised doubts about Lamine Yamal and his teammates' ability to go far.

Notably, all four teams in Group H drew their opening matches, making the group situation unpredictable. Spain currently sits in third place, behind Saudi Arabia in second.

Saudi Arabia had a positive start in North America, holding Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their first match.
Spanish fans hope this disappointing start is merely a repeat of the 2010 World Cup script, when the team lost their opening match but went on to win the first world championship in their history.

Norway vs Senegal: New York New Jersey Stadium (USA) on June 22 (7:00 AM June 23 Vietnam time)

The encounter between Group I leaders Norway and third-placed Senegal is also among the notable matchups. The focus of the game is striker Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian forward made a dazzling World Cup debut with a brace, helping his team crush Iraq 4-1 in their return to the tournament after a 28-year absence.

Meanwhile, Senegal had an unfavorable start, losing 1-3 to France. This defeat left the African representative with no points, forcing them to seek a comeback against a high-spirited Norway side.

Coach Pape Thiaw said his team needs to reduce defensive passivity and improve finishing efficiency if they want to stop the "destroyer" Haaland.