The Netherlands moved to the brink of the FIFA 2026 World Cup last 32 with a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday in Houston, as Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice in a ruthless attacking display.
The emphatic win handed Ronald Koeman’s side their first victory of the tournament after an opening draw against Japan and sent a strong warning to the rest of the competition.
Read Also: Haiti, Turkey crash out of 2026 World Cup after group stage defeats
The Dutch now top Group F with four points from two matches, ahead of Sweden on three points, Japan on one and Tunisia, who are yet to register a point.
Brobbey and Gakpo Lead Dutch Goal Fest
The Netherlands made a blistering start and were ahead inside five minutes when Brobbey slammed home an inviting cross from Gakpo.
The Sunderland striker, making his first start of the tournament, doubled the lead in the 17th minute with another clinical finish, taking his international tally to three goals.
Liverpool forward Gakpo then took centre stage after the break, scoring twice early in the second half to put the match beyond Sweden’s reach.
Read Also: Troost-Ekong backs Ghana to upset England in crucial World Cup clash
Substitute Anthony Elanga briefly gave Sweden hope with a classy finish just before the hour mark, but the Dutch quickly restored their dominance.
Crysencio Summerville, who had been replaced in the starting line-up by Brobbey, came off the bench to complete the rout and seal a memorable five-star performance.
Koeman Delighted With Attacking Display
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman praised his team’s pace and attacking quality after the victory.
“If you look at the goals we scored, that will cause fear among opponents,” Koeman said.
“The way those goals came about, in transition with a lot of pace and a lot of quality, means we can be incredibly dangerous.”
Sweden Still Have Qualification Hope
Despite the heavy defeat, Sweden remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds and can still qualify with a positive result against Japan in their final group match.
The Swedes created several chances throughout the contest but were punished by poor finishing and the Netherlands’ clinical edge in front of goal.
“We attacked and had some opportunities, but obviously defensively you can’t concede that many goals and hope to win,” Sweden coach Graham Potter told BBC TV.
“We’ll learn a lot from this game. Sometimes you have to have these experiences. I didn’t think it was that type of game, but that’s the scoreline, and we have to accept it and learn from it.”
The result leaves the Netherlands firmly in control of Group F and on the verge of securing their place in the knockout stage, while Sweden face a must-win encounter against Japan to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
