World Cup
5:00 p.mJune 20, 2026
Group stage – 2
NRG Stadium
Referee: Michael Oliver, England
Links to the full match can be found in the comments section
Netherlands
sweden
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.47
Expected Goals (xG)
0.94
-0.84
Prevented goals
-0.84
Passing by
397 (88%)
Accurate passes
350 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Bart Verbruggen
7.9
15
d
Micky van de Ven
6.6
4
d
Virgil van Dijk (C)
6.9
6
d
Jan Paul van Hecke
7.2
d
Denzel Dumfries
17′ 47′
14
M
Tijjani Reijnders
6.3
21
M
Frenkie de Jong
7.7
8
M
Ryan Gravenberch
6.3
F
Cody Steele
47′
54′
5′ F
Brian Brobbey
5′
17′
18
F
Donyell Malen
6.6
23
G
Christopher Nordfeldt
5.7
3
d
Victor Lindelöf (C)
5.7
4
d
Isak Hien
5.9
2
d
Gustaf Lagerbielke
5.9
16
M
Jesper Karlström
6.3
M
Gabriel Gudmundsson
53′ StumbledM
Age setting
75′ Holding
10
M
Benjamin Nygren
5.9
21
M
Alexander Bernhardsson
6.3
F
Alexander Isak
59′
17
F
Viktor Gyökeres
6.9
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The Netherlands demolished Sweden 5-1 at NRG Stadium in a World Cup loss. Cody Gakpo’s two-goal display and Brian Brobbey’s early brace set the tone for a dominant Dutch performance that left the Swedes helpless.
The Netherlands came into this World Cup match looking to make a statement. Sweden arrived hoping to continue their tournament preparations. What unfolded was a one-sided affair that saw the Dutch provide a master class in clinical finishing and attacking prowess.
Brobbey struck within five minutes, giving the Netherlands an ideal start. The forward showed predatory instincts to take advantage of early Dutch pressure. Sweden’s defense looked shaky from the opening whistle.
Brobbey doubled the lead just 12 minutes later in the 17th minute. The striker again pounced with ruthless efficiency. Holland had already established full control of the match.
Sweden offered little resistance in the early stages. Their midfield struggled to get a foothold in possession. The Swedes were facing an uphill battle after just 17 minutes.
The first part belonged entirely to the Netherlands. They controlled the game with 52 percent possession and created clear chances consistently. Sweden managed seven shots on goal, but couldn’t find the breakthrough before the break.
The second half was equally one-sided. Gakpo opened their account in the 47th minute immediately after the restart. Holland maintained its intensity and refused to relax.
Gakpo struck again in the 54th minute to make it 4-0. The winger was unstoppable on the day, finishing with a match grade of 9.6. His movement and finishing were simply clinical.
Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden in the 59th minute. The goal offered a temporary respite but changed nothing in the course of the game. Holland kept firm control.
Crysencio Summerville added a fifth in the 89th minute to seal the loss. The substitute showed composure to end a dominant Dutch display. Sweden’s night ended in utter disappointment.
Statistics told the story of Dutch superiority. The Netherlands created 2.47 expected goals compared to Sweden’s 0.94. The Dutchman had seven shots on target to Sweden’s total of seven, showing the difference in quality.
Denzel Dumfries provided two assists for the Netherlands. Goalie Bart Verbruggen made six saves to keep the score respectable. The Dutch defense was never really tested.
This overall victory sends a clear message to the World Cup. The Netherlands showed they have the attacking firepower to compete with any team. Sweden will need significant improvement in their next game.
