Netherlands Thrash Sweden to Strengthen Knockout Hopes

Houston. The Netherlands defeated Sweden 5-1 in their second Group F match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, strengthening their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored two goals each for Ronald Koeman’s side, while Crysencio Summerville added another. Anthony Elanga scored the consolation goal for Sweden.

After being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening match, the Netherlands were under pressure to secure a positive result. The Dutch side responded with an attacking display from the start. Brobbey opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving his team an early lead.

Brobbey scored his second goal in the 17th minute, converting a low cross from Denzel Dumfries to double the advantage. Sweden appeared to have pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The Netherlands struck again shortly after the start of the second half. Gakpo made it 3-0 from another fine cross by Dumfries. In the 54th minute, Gakpo scored his second goal of the match, extending the Dutch lead to 4-0.

Gakpo’s second goal was recorded as the 100th goal of the tournament, according to international football statistics. Reaching the 100-goal mark after just 33 matches reflects the high scoring rate of this World Cup.

Sweden reduced the deficit in the 59th minute through substitute Elanga, but the team failed to mount a comeback.

Summerville added the Netherlands’ fifth goal late in the match, completing an impressive 5-1 victory for the Dutch side.

With the result, the Netherlands moved to the top of Group F with four points. Sweden, meanwhile, will need a decisive performance against Japan in their final group match to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.