Hundreds of Dutch soccer supporters converged on a quiet Texas town this week, their bright orange jerseys and scarves turning the streets of Fulshear into a sea of national pride.
The Bus’s Global Journey
The centerpiece of the gathering was the Dutch Orange Bus, a mobile tribute that has traveled the world as a symbol of the country's football heritage. Its side is plastered with stickers from every World Cup appearance, each a badge of past triumphs and journeys.
The bus touched down in the Port of Galveston on May 13 after a transatlantic voyage, and its arrival in Texas coincides with the Netherlands' second Group A encounter with Sweden at NRG Stadium on Saturday at noon. Earlier that morning, fans will assemble near Rice University’s football stadium at 8 a.m. for a pre‑game march that will wind through the city, accompanied by live music and a festive atmosphere.
Organizers have taken precautions, stationing a Fort Bend County paramedic ambulance beside the bus to address any medical emergencies, while local authorities prepared for a crowd of thousands.
Frans Peeters, one of the bus drivers, said the hospitality he has encountered in Texas has been remarkable, noting that every interaction has been “helpful and courteous.” Daniel Tabor, a longtime fan, expressed his excitement for the Dutch side, recalling their opening World Cup draw with Japan on June 14.