Netherlands Secure First Win with Dominant Display
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored braces as the Netherlands produced a commanding performance to beat Sweden 5-1 in Houston, registering their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Dutch side, who had drawn 2-2 with Japan in their opener, made one change by bringing in Brobbey for Crysencio Summerville.
Brobbey's Early Double Sets the Tone
Brobbey opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finishing off a flowing move involving Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo, who provided the assist from the left flank. The striker then doubled his tally just 12 minutes later by converting Denzel Dumfries' cross with a close-range finish. His brace inside the opening 17 minutes marked the fourth-fastest in FIFA World Cup history.
Sweden Fight Back but Gakpo Takes Control
Sweden gradually settled into the contest and created several chances towards the end of the first half. Viktor Gyokeres tested Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, but the Swedish side were unable to convert their pressure before halftime.
After the restart, Gakpo took control, scoring twice within seven minutes. He first tapped in another Dumfries cross and then finished with a clever reverse strike past Kristoffer Nordfeldt, putting the Netherlands firmly in charge at 4-0.
Elanga Responds but Summerville Seals the Win
Sweden pulled one back just before the hour mark when Anthony Elanga scored after a fine pass from Alexander Isak. However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. Substitute Crysencio Summerville added a late fifth goal in the 89th minute with a superb strike, sealing the emphatic win for Ronald Koeman's side.
The Netherlands are now close to securing a place in the knockout stage, with their dominant performance in Houston putting them in a strong position in Group E.
