A well-known Dutch saying goes, “We Dutch always know how to have fun,” and that spirit was on full display in Houston. In the hours leading up to the Netherlands’ second group fixture against Sweden, the city was awash with orange as nearly 30,000 Dutch supporters filled the streets, according to estimates by the Houston police. The festive energy was palpable long before the match began.

Among the jubilant crowd were some familiar faces from Dutch football history. Former stars Wesley Sneijder and Edwin van der Sar joined the sea of orange, celebrating enthusiastically alongside the fans who had travelled from far and wide to support their team.

True to tradition, the Oranje faithful swayed together from side to side, singing and dancing as they marched toward the stadium. Their spirited revelry once again captured the essence of Dutch football culture — lively, united, and full of humour. The party atmosphere was such that one could easily imagine a lively tune playing in the background to match their energy.

The event served as yet another reminder of how Dutch supporters bring unmatched passion and colour wherever their team goes, turning every World Cup host city into a carnival of orange celebration.