The Netherlands began its campaign for the 2026 World Cup with a draw against Sweden, secured by a goal from Dutch-born player Rekik. This match marked the first appearance for the Dutch national team in the qualifying stages of the tournament. Simultaneously, Curaçao made its debut in the global football competition. The game saw both teams battling for position in Group Orange, with Rekik’s goal proving crucial for the Netherlands. Further updates and news from the World Cup qualifying matches are being provided through a liveblog. The results set the stage for future matches as teams vie for a place in the 2026 World Cup finals. This initial round of games offers a first glimpse into the competitive landscape of the qualifying process.