Brobbey and Gakpo crush Sweden, Netherlands on brink of 2026 World Cup qualification

The Netherlands inflicted a heavy defeat on Sweden (5-1) at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday, June 20, during their second match of the 2026 World Cup. After the draw conceded against Japan (2-2), the Oranje displayed a completely different face to seize the top of Group F.

The match quickly turned in favor of the Dutch. Brian Brobbey opened the scoring as early as the 5th minute before doubling the lead in the 17th, placing the Netherlands in total control before half-time. After the break, Cody Gakpo drove home the point with two further goals (47th, 54th), bringing the score to 4-0 in less than an hour of play.

Sweden reduced the deficit through Alexander Elanga in the 59th minute, saving face without ever threatening the result. Summerville sealed the scoring in the 89th on an individual effort, fixing two defenders before firing a right-footed shot that goalkeeper Nordfeldt could not keep out. The West Ham winger, however, finished the match on injury after taking a knee to the face and had to leave the field before the final whistle.

A slight concern also hung over Virgil van Dijk, who held his left thigh after a challenge late in the match, though his situation did not appear alarming at the time.

Thanks to this victory, the Netherlands top Group F with four points, one more than Sweden. Japan can draw level with the Oranje with a victory against Tunisia. The Swedes, who had begun the competition with a heavy victory over Tunisia (5-1), find themselves in a precarious position ahead of their final group match against Japan.