Netherlands 5–1 Sweden: Brobbey and Gakpo Braces Light Up Houston
The Netherlands produced their most emphatic performance of the tournament so far, sweeping aside Sweden 5–1 at NRG Stadium in Houston to surge to the top of Group F. Two goals apiece from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, either side of the interval, turned a contest into a procession.
Brobbey set the tone with a fifth-minute opener, converting Gakpo's cross, and struck again on 17 minutes after Denzel Dumfries had carved Sweden open down the right.
Gakpo Takes Over After the Break
Having turned provider for the first goal, Gakpo became the headline act after half-time. He swept in another Dumfries delivery two minutes into the second half and added his second on 54 minutes, finishing Crysencio Summerville's pass to make it 4–0.
Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden on 59 minutes, racing onto Alexander Isak's through-ball, but it was no more than a consolation. Summerville completed the rout in the 89th minute from Memphis Depay's assist.
Group F Picture
The five-goal haul lifts the Netherlands level on four points with Japan at the top of Group F, their superior goal difference now a genuine asset with one game to play. Sweden, despite Elanga's bright moment, slip to third and must regroup quickly.
Follow the Netherlands' World Cup 2026 campaign live on KickD — real-time scores, goal alerts, and Group F standings updated every 60 seconds.
⚽ Goals (6)
Cards (3)
Full Timeline
Netherlands
Sweden
