The excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to grow, especially with the arrival of the renowned Dutch orange double-decker bus in Galveston. This iconic vehicle reached the Texas port today and will be stationed in Houston until the tournament commences.
As the Netherlands prepares for its opening match against Japan at Dallas Stadium on June 14, thousands of fans are expected to gather behind the bus, creating a lively atmosphere of support.
The Journey of the Iconic Bus
The significance of this double-decker bus in Dutch soccer culture cannot be overstated. It has become a central element of pregame and post-game festivities, accompanying the national team to every FIFA World Cup since its inception in South Africa, and later in Brazil and Qatar. Its transatlantic journey, taking about three weeks, culminated in its arrival at Galveston.
In partnership with DHL, the bus made the voyage across the Atlantic, arriving ahead of schedule to ensure everything was in order for the upcoming matches. Due to its age, the Dutch team also arranged for the shipment of backup machinery and equipment alongside the bus.
On June 10, the official driver will take the bus on a journey to North Texas, preparing for the match against Japan at what is temporarily known as Dallas Stadium during the tournament.
A Dutch Tradition
The tradition of marching to the stadium is a cherished practice among Dutch fans, who will line up behind the bus, singing and dancing in a show of solidarity for their team. While the bus serves primarily as a transport for family and select media, it is the fans who create a vibrant procession as they follow closely behind.
In addition to the opening match in Dallas, the bus will also travel to Houston and Kansas City for subsequent games. Should the Netherlands advance past the group stage, the bus will continue to rack up miles across North America, following the team on its journey through the tournament.
