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Netherlands Leads Group F After 5-1 Win Over Sweden; Japan and Tunisia to Meet Next

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Group F Heats Up: Netherlands Cruise Past Sweden, Japan and Tunisia Ready for Sunday Showdown

The Netherlands sit atop Group F with four points after a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden, while Japan and Tunisia prepare for a critical Matchday 2 clash in Monterrey.

Match Report: Netherlands 5-1 Sweden

Venue: Houston Stadium | Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET

In front of nearly 69,000 fans—including King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands—the Dutch delivered a statement performance.

Scoring Summary

  • 5th min: Brian Brobbey scores, assisted by Cody Gakpo.
  • 17th min: Brian Brobbey scores again, assisted again by Cody Gakpo.

Brobbey's brace (16 minutes and 12 seconds apart) was the fourth fastest in World Cup history. These were his first international goals since his debut three years ago.

  • 47th min: Cody Gakpo scores.
  • 54th min: Cody Gakpo scores again.

With five World Cup group-stage goals, Gakpo tied Robin van Persie for the most by a Dutch player.

  • 59th min: Anthony Elanga pulls one back for Sweden.
  • 89th min: Crysencio Summerville seals the win with the Netherlands' fifth goal.

Match Statistics

Statistic Netherlands Sweden Shots 10 16 Expected Goals (xG) 2.47 0.99

Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several crucial saves, while Sweden failed to convert on additional opportunities.

Group F Standings After Matchday 2 (In Progress)

Team Points Netherlands 4 Sweden 3 Japan 1 Tunisia 0

Netherlands

  • Opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan, coming from behind twice.
  • Now on four points from two games.
  • Next up: Tunisia.

Sweden

  • Opened with a 5-1 win over Tunisia.
  • Now on three points after the loss to the Netherlands.
  • Next up: Japan.

Japan

  • Opened with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
  • Next up: Tunisia on Sunday, Matchday 2.

Tunisia

  • Opened with a 5-1 loss to Sweden.
  • Manager change: Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed. Herve Renard has been appointed on short notice.
  • Next up: Japan on Sunday, Matchday 2.

Upcoming Match: Japan vs. Tunisia

Kickoff: Sunday, 12:00 a.m. ET | Venue: Monterrey

Betting Odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)

  • Japan: -230 (90-minute money line)
  • Tunisia: +650
  • Draw: +360
  • Over/Under: 2.5 total goals

Context: Japan enters on one point after a gritty draw with the Netherlands. Tunisia enters on zero points, reeling from a heavy defeat and playing under a new manager.

Upcoming Match: Netherlands vs. Tunisia

The Netherlands and Tunisia are scheduled to meet later in the group stage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Netherlands are ranked No. 8 by FIFA and will look to maintain their momentum.

Pre-Match Note: Netherlands vs. Japan (Already Played)

Before their 2-2 draw, FanDuel listed:

  • Netherlands: +103
  • Japan: +270
  • Draw: +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5
  • Memphis Depay: +490 to score

SportsLine analyst Jon Eimer predicted over 2.5 goals—a correct call in a match that delivered drama and two comebacks.