Bizarre World Cup Ball Incident During Netherlands - Sweden: Referee Intervenes

Pulse Sports Team 18:23 - 20 June 2026

The Dutch national team got off to a flying start in their crucial match against Sweden. Brian Brobbey netted two goals within the first twenty minutes. However, referee Michael Oliver created a rather peculiar moment just before the second goal.

The Oranje started with remarkable intensity, immediately setting a high tempo. Following a chance from Tijjani Reijnders, Swedish goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt attempted to restart play. However, the former SC Heerenveen keeper abruptly halted proceedings, claiming the current World Cup ball was unfit for play and drawing the referee's attention.

This report will be updated.

The latest news on the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Check the match schedule here, including fixtures, results, and standings.
Find everything about the Oranje here, from news and remarkable stories to statistics.
Watch and listen to our daily World Cup football podcast.
To ensure you don't miss a thing, download our Sportnieuws.nl App.