Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1 in World Cup Group F

The Netherlands delivered a commanding performance at the FIFA World Cup on Saturday, June 20, 2026, defeating Sweden 5-1 in a Group F match at NRG Stadium in Houston. The victory, powered by braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, propelled the Dutch to the top of their group and established them as a formidable force in the tournament.

The Dutch wasted no time asserting dominance, with striker Brian Brobbey opening the scoring just five minutes into the match. The 24-year-old Sunderland forward tapped in a low cross from Cody Gakpo to give his side an early advantage. Brobbey doubled the lead in the 17th minute, finishing clinically from another low cross, this time provided by Denzel Dumfries.

Sweden attempted to respond, creating several opportunities through Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a series of crucial saves to preserve the lead. The Swedish team's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime when a headed goal by Gustaf Lagerbielke was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

Any lingering hopes of a Swedish comeback were extinguished shortly after the restart. Gakpo scored his first goal in the 47th minute,...