Dutch fans are about to paint Houston orange

State of play: The 2.5-mile march will be coordinated by the Houston Police Department and KNVB, the Dutch football federation, according to the federation's announcement Tuesday.

Zoom in: The event will include live entertainment featuring the Oranje Fan Team beginning at 8am at Rice Stadium.

• The Fanwalk begins at 8:45am from Rice and will be led by the Oranje Bus, a staple for Netherlands supporters that recently arrived in Galveston after crossing the Atlantic. The Netherlands' World Cup match against Sweden kicks off at noon at NRG Stadium.
• The Dutch federation said it worked with Houston-area officials on logistics, according to a news release.

What they're saying: "The strength of Oranje lies in the connection between the team and the fans," Marianne van Leeuwen, director of professional football for KNVB, said in a press release. "We are so looking forward to the matchdays and the unique Oranje experience we create together."

• "Houston welcomes thousands of Dutch supporters with open arms and cannot wait for all the festivities ahead. We are proud our city will serve as the backdrop for this orange spectacle," said Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee.