Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo produced a terrific attacking display as the Netherlands claimed their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 5-1 win over Sweden, moving top of Group F.
Ronald Koeman’s decision to hand Brobbey a starting role ahead of Crysencio Summerville was immediately rewarded, with the Sunderland striker scoring twice inside the opening 17 minutes to put the Oranje firmly in control.
The Netherlands needed just minutes to find their rhythm, as Brobbey controlled a long clearance before releasing Tijjani Reijnders, who sent Gakpo down the left.
The Liverpool forward’s low cross was met by Brobbey, who finished from close range to give his side the lead.
Sweden almost responded immediately, with Viktor Gyökeres forcing Bart Verbruggen into a sharp save at his near post, but the Dutch soon doubled their advantage.
Denzel Dumfries delivered a dangerous low cross from the right, and Brobbey was perfectly positioned to divert the ball beyond Kristoffer Nordfeldt, scoring the Netherlands’ 100th World Cup goal.
Sweden improved after the first-half hydration break and began finding more attacking opportunities, with Yasin Ayari and Gyökeres both threatening, but the Dutch defence remained composed.
The Swedes thought they had reduced the deficit when Gustaf Lagerbielke headed in Benjamin Nygren’s free-kick, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
After the break, the Netherlands quickly ended any hopes of a Swedish comeback. Dumfries again created danger with a low cross, and although Brobbey failed to connect, Gakpo was on hand to force the ball home.
The Liverpool forward then completed his brace seven minutes later after substitute Summerville burst through midfield before finding Gakpo, who fired a powerful strike past Nordfeldt.
Sweden continued to battle and eventually found a consolation goal through Anthony Elanga, who finished calmly after being played through by Alexander Isak.
However, the Netherlands restored their four-goal cushion late on when Summerville cut inside and fired into the bottom corner, completing a 5-1 defeat for Sweden after their opening day win against Tunisia with the same scoreline.
The victory extends the Netherlands’ remarkable World Cup record, with the Oranje now unbeaten in 14 matches at the tournament since losing the 2010 final – the longest unbeaten run in World Cup history.
Sweden, meanwhile, remain without a clean sheet in 13 games and must win their final group match against Japan to seal their knockout place.
