The Netherlands booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 5-1 victory over Sweden in a dominant display. Ronald Koeman's side controlled possession for long spells, created numerous chances and looked dangerous every time they attacked, particularly through the lively Cody Gakpo and powerful striker Brian Brobbey.
Sweden struggled to contain the Dutch pressure despite showing occasional attacking promise through Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. However, defensive lapses and poor goalkeeping proved costly as the Oranje punished them ruthlessly. Cody Gakpo starred with two goals, while Brian Brobbey also found the net and played a key role in the attacking moves. Sweden's lone response came through Anthony Elanga, but it was not enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat as the Netherlands underlined their credentials as genuine dark horse contenders for the title.
Netherlands Player Ratings vs Sweden
Goalkeeper
Bart Verbruggen – 6/10
Defence
Denzel Dumfries – 8/10
Jan Paul van Hecke – 6/10
Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
Micky van de Ven – 6/10
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10
Frenkie de Jong – 7/10
Tijjani Reijnders – 6/10
Attack
Donyell Malen – 5/10
Brian Brobbey – 9/10
Cody Gakpo – 9.5/10 (Man of the Match)
Substitutes
Crysencio Summerville – 8/10
Teun Koopmeiners – 6/10
Guus Til – 6/10
Memphis Depay – 6/10
Noa Lang – N/A
Sweden Player Ratings vs Netherlands
Goalkeeper
Kristoffer Nordfeldt – 4/10
Defence
Gustaf Lagerbielke – 5/10
Isak Hien – 5/10
Victor Lindelöf – 4/10
Midfield
Alexander Bernhardsson – 6/10
Benjamin Nygren – 5/10
Jesper Karlström – 5/10
Yasin Ayari – 6/10
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 5/10
Attack
Viktor Gyökeres – 6/10
Alexander Isak – 7/10
Substitutes
Anthony Elanga – 7/10
Besfort Zeneli – 6/10
Lucas Bergvall – 6/10
Taha Abdi Ali – 6/10
Elliot Stroud – N/A
What's Next for both teams?
The Netherlands will now turn their attention to Tunisia as they aim to continue their unbeaten run and take another step towards a first World Cup triumph since reaching the finals in 1974, 1978 and 2010. Sweden, meanwhile, will look to achieve redemption when they face Japan next week.
Koeman's men head into the next game full of confidence, with Gakpo and Brobbey emerging as key figures at just the right moment.
