The Netherlands sent a statement of intent at World Cup 2026, hammering Sweden 5-1 in Houston in a one-sided Group F contest. (Sky Sports)
Brobbey and Gakpo braces
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored twice, while Crysencio Summerville added a fifth, as Ronald Koeman's side dominated from start to finish. Sweden's only reply came from Anthony Elanga, who grabbed a late consolation goal. (101 Great Goals)
First win, big statement
The result marks the Netherlands' first win of the tournament after an opening draw with Japan, and gives them a major boost on goal difference heading into the final group games. (ESPN)
Group F picture
The Netherlands move level on four points with Japan at the top of Group F, while Sweden — who beat Tunisia heavily in their opener — now need a positive result in their final game to confirm qualification.
A complete attacking performance
The Dutch rout was no one-man show: Brobbey's clever movement inside the box opened space that Gakpo exploited from the opposite channel, while Summerville's introduction from the bench added a further layer of pace and threat late on. It was a near-perfect distribution of attacking responsibility that Sweden simply could not contain.
Alarm bells for Sweden
Sweden's back line looked unsettled from the opening minutes and struggled to track the Dutch front line's rotations. After their big win over Tunisia in the opener, this heavy defeat is a real warning sign that the coaching staff will need to address before the decisive final group match. Follow Malaab Al-An for full World Cup 2026 coverage.