TEXAS (Kashmir English): The Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a Group F match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.
The match as played at Houston Stadium in Texas. With this win, Ronald Koeman’s clinical side reached the top of the group.
Dutch striker Brian Brobbey, a surprise starter, found the net just 5 minutes in by tapping home a low cross from Cody Gakpo.
In the 17th minute of the game, Brobbey scored again off a deflected Denzel Dumfries cross. Clocking in under 17 minutes, it became the earliest World Cup brace by a Dutch player in history.
Sweden fought back late in the first half but a Gustaf Lagerbielke header was disallowed for offside. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen also made spectacular saves to deny Viktor Gyökeres and Yasin Ayari.
At the start of the second half, Cody Gakpo tapped in another Dumfries assist in the 47th minute and smashed home his second in the 54th minute following an Alexander Isak turnover.
Notably, Gakpo’s second strike marked the 100th goal of the World Cup 2026.
Substitute Anthony Elanga scored the single goal for Graham Potter’s Sweden in the 59th minute. However, Dutch substitute Crysencio Summerville added a spectacular fifth goal from outside the area in the 89th minute to cap off a masterclass.
The Netherlands at FIFA World Cup 2026
With this victory, the Netherlands moved to 4 points and take control of Group F. They will their final match against Tunisia. Sweden stay on 3 points and must now defeat Japan in their final Group Stage match to ensure progression to the knockout rounds.
