Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

The Netherlands national football team produced a dominant display in the World Cup 2026 group stage on Saturday in Group F, beating Sweden national football team 5-1 after a fast, attacking performance led by Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, both scoring twice. The win came after a 2-2 draw with Japan in their opener and gave the Dutch a strong push toward topping the group, with momentum shifting early at kickoff in a match played on Saturday, where clinical finishing and quick transitions defined the contest and exposed Sweden’s defensive gaps.

Brobbey opened the scoring inside five minutes after linking with Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo, before finishing a Denzel Dumfries cross for his second shortly after. Gakpo added a brace of his own, while substitute Anthony Elanga briefly pulled one back for Sweden. Crysencio Summerville also scored late to seal the result.

The Netherlands now face Tunisia next in Kansas City aiming to finish top of Group F. FIFA World Cup

Smart betting insight: Smart Tips