The Dutch national football team's iconic Orange Bus made a vibrant stop in Galveston, Texas, during a promotional tour for the 2026 World Cup. The bright orange double-decker, a mobile gathering point for fans, visited Saengerfest Park on The Strand on Thursday before heading to Arlington for a Sunday World Cup match against Japan.
The Netherlands currently sits top of its World Cup qualifying group with 7 points from three matches, recording two wins and one draw. The team has scored 10 goals and conceded 4, for a +6 goal difference. Their last result was a 1-1 draw with Morocco on June 30, but the side is now unbeaten in its last five games, with four wins and a draw. The next major fixture is a home match against Germany scheduled for September 24.
Why did the bus stop in Galveston?
The choice of Galveston was symbolic. Galveston Mayor John Paul Listowski read a proclamation and Visit Galveston Executive Director Tony Lyle addressed the crowd. Lyle highlighted the city's historical connection to newcomers. "Galveston used to be the second busiest immigration port in the country, behind only Ellis Island," Lyle said, as reported by www.galvnews.com. The city is actively positioning itself as a host for international visitors during the 2026 World Cup, which is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Houston and Dallas are among the 16 host cities.
The local tourism industry is already seeing benefits. The San Luis Resort in Galveston County has booked around 70 German and Polish soccer fans who plan to use Galveston as a home base for matches in Houston. The Orange Bus, filled with singing, dancing fans in orange clothing, fit this theme perfectly. Its route traveled west on Strand Street, south to Seawall Boulevard, north on 61st Street, and then onto Interstate 45.
Which Dutch fans were on the ground?
Among the orange crowd were Meredith Carlson and Anne Sophie Pijnacker. Carlson, originally from The Hague, now lives in Friendswood, Texas, after moving with her military family. "We’re really excited. I’m glad that they came and are doing this," she said. Anne Sophie Pijnacker is from Leiden and also now lives in Texas. Their presence illustrates the global spread of Dutch supporters who follow their team across the world.
How is the Netherlands performing in World Cup preparations?
The tour takes place as the Dutch national team is performing strongly in its build-up to the main tournament. The recent numbers are promising. With an unbeaten run of five matches, the team is building momentum. The stats show an attacking team that is also defensively solid. Fans can follow the full standings and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
The 1-1 draw with Morocco was the only blemish on the recent record, but the team responded with victories. The +6 goal difference is a sign of effectiveness at both ends of the pitch. The squad, which supporters can view on our squad page, appears to be in good form.
What comes next for the team?
The Orange Bus tour of North America is a preview of the atmosphere expected during the 2026 World Cup. After its Texas visit, the bus will continue its international promotional tour before returning to the Netherlands. The focus now quickly shifts to the sporting challenge. The immediate priority is preparing for the clash against Germany in September, a classic fixture that always provides a good benchmark. With current form and high morale among the fans, the Netherlands has all the ingredients to make a strong impression at the upcoming World Cup on North American soil.
