Houston — The Netherlands produced a dominant attacking display to thrash Sweden 5–1 and climb to the top of Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scoring braces in a statement victory.
Brian Brobbey opened the scoring inside five minutes, finishing from close range after a precise cross from Gakpo, before doubling the lead in the 17th minute with a clinical finish from a Denzel Dumfries delivery.
Sweden attempted to respond and created several dangerous moments, but were repeatedly denied as the Dutch maintained control heading into halftime.
The Oranje killed off the contest shortly after the restart, with Gakpo scoring twice in quick succession — first from close range and then with a powerful strike from the edge of the box to extend the lead.
Sweden pulled one back through Anthony Elanga on the counterattack in the 59th minute, but Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ four-goal advantage late on with a composed finish.
Speaking after the match, Gakpo said the team’s intensity from the start made the difference, as the Dutch moved a point clear at the top of the group ahead of the remaining fixtures.
The result leaves Sweden in second place, while the Netherlands take control of Group F with one match remaining in the group stage.
