The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium on June 25, 2026, ending Tunisia's World Cup campaign without a win or a point and with a record 12 goals conceded.
Tunisia's Defensive Woes
Tunisia conceded 12 goals in three group matches, the joint-most by a team in a World Cup group stage since North Korea in 2010. According to Opta Analyst, this is the most goals conceded outright since Brazil in 2014, who let in 14 over seven games. Tunisia lost 5-1 to Sweden and 4-0 to Japan before the Netherlands defeat.
Netherlands Dominate Early
The Netherlands took the lead in the third minute when Denzel Dumfries's low cross was turned into his own net by Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri. Four minutes later, Virgil van Dijk kept a corner alive, setting up Brian Brobbey to score his third goal of the tournament from close range, making it 2-0.
Tunisia's Brief Comeback
Tunisia pulled a goal back in the 54th minute through Hazem Mastouri, who headed home Hannibal Mejbri's corner. However, the Netherlands restored their two-goal lead in the 62nd minute when Tijjani Reijnders delivered a corner and Jan Paul van Hecke scored his first international goal with a header from close range.
Group F Standings
The Netherlands finished top of Group F with seven points, ahead of Japan and Sweden, who drew 1-1 to both advance to the Round of 32. Tunisia exited at the bottom with one point.
