ARLINGTON, TEXAS June 14, 2026 — Thousands of Netherlands supporters transformed the streets of Arlington into a vibrant sea of orange on Sunday, parading through the Entertainment District as they geared up for their nation’s opening Group F match against Japan at AT&T Stadium.
The iconic Dutch Orange Bus, a double-decker tradition that has followed the Oranje across tournaments, led the energetic fan walk. Fans in bright orange jerseys, scarves, and face paint waved flags, chanted, and danced their way toward the stadium, creating one of the most colorful spectacles of the early 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Footage shared by FOX Soccer and the Dutch Orange Bus Instagram account captured the lively atmosphere, with supporters packing areas around the venue hours before the 3 p.m. CDT kickoff. The bus, which departed from Galveston earlier in the week after crossing the Atlantic, has become a symbol of the Netherlands’ renowned traveling fan culture.
“This parade is going to be something to see,” local reports noted as fans gathered in the Arlington Entertainment District.
The Netherlands enter the tournament as strong favorites in Group F, boasting a talented squad featuring captain Virgil van Dijk, midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong (starting in the match), and forward Cody Gakpo. Japan, known for their discipline and counter-attacking speed, arrive on a solid run of form but face a tough test against the Oranje.
The match marks the first of several high-profile games in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with the Netherlands later facing Sweden in Houston on June 20. Local organizers in Dallas and Arlington have praised the Dutch fans for bringing energy and passion to the host cities.
The Oranje Army’s presence underscores why the Netherlands are celebrated for their “No Oranje Without Us” spirit — turning every World Cup stop into a massive orange celebration. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. local time, with the game broadcast on FOX.
