FIFA World Cup 2026: Netherlands Hit Sweden for Five to Top Group F
The Netherlands produced a dazzling display at the FIFA World Cup, sweeping aside Sweden 5-1 in Houston to climb to the top of Group F.
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both struck twice, while Crysencio Summerville added a late fifth as the Oranje overwhelmed their European rivals.
Anthony Elanga’s fine solo effort was the only consolation for Sweden, who slipped to second place in the group.
Brobbey opened the scoring inside five minutes, converting Gakpo’s cross, before doubling his tally 12 minutes later with a neat finish from Denzel Dumfries’ delivery.
Sweden rallied and thought they had pulled one back through Gustaf Lagerbielke, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
After the interval, Gakpo took centre stage. The Liverpool forward netted from close range before unleashing a trademark strike from the edge of the box to put the game beyond Sweden. Elanga briefly restored hope with a breakaway goal, but Summerville’s emphatic finish sealed a comprehensive Dutch victory.
The result leaves the Netherlands with four points from two matches, ahead of Sweden on three. Japan and Tunisia, who meet later in the day, trail behind.
A key milestone was reached by Gakpo, whose second goal marked his fifth in just seven World Cup appearances. He is now only two shy of Johnny Rep’s all-time Dutch scoring record at the finals.
