The Netherlands secured their first victory of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with an impressive 5–1 win over Sweden in their Group F encounter at Houston Stadium in the United States on Saturday.
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo struck twice before Crysencio Summerville added the fifth goal for the Dutchmen as Anthony Elanga’s goal went in vain.
Brobbey and Gakpo became the first Dutch pair to net a brace in a World Cup match since Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie did so for Oranje against Spain in 2014.
Ronald Koeman’s side made a flying start, with Brobbey proving the catalyst. The striker, handed a starting role as the only change from the team that drew 2–2 with Japan in its opening match, rewarded his coach’s faith almost immediately. He capped off
a slick Dutch attacking move in the seventh minute to open the scoring before striking again ten minutes later to put Oranje firmly in control.
Sweden briefly thought they had found a way back into the contest when Carl Starfelt Lagerbielke headed into the net, but their celebrations were cut short after the goal was ruled out for offside.
The Dutch continued to dictate proceedings after the interval. Cody Gakpo extended the advantage shortly after the restart and then added a second goal moments later, cutting inside onto his stronger foot and beating the goalkeeper to make it 4–0.
Anthony Elanga eventually got Sweden on the scoresheet just before the hour mark, reducing the deficit and giving the Scandinavians hope of a comeback. They continued to push forward in search of another goal and came close on several occasions. Yasin Ayari saw an effort finish on the wrong side of the post, while Elanga remained a constant threat and later created an opportunity for Alexander Isak from outside the penalty area.
However, Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was equal to the task, producing an important save to deny Isak and preserve his side’s commanding lead.
After weathering Sweden’s spell of pressure, the Netherlands put the game beyond doubt when Crysencio Summerville, who had also scored in the draw against Japan, found the net to complete a dominant and entertaining 5–1 triumph.
The convincing result earned Oranje their first three points of the tournament and provided the perfect response after being held by Japan in their opening fixture.
