Netherlands thrash Sweden 5-1, extend unbeaten run to 14 matches

The Netherlands secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup. Brian Brobbey opened the scoring early and completed his brace within 17 minutes, with Cody Gakpo also netting two goals to seal the win.

The Dutch team displayed strong teamwork from the outset. Gakpo initiated the first goal with a quick break down the left flank and a pass to Brobbey, who finished from close range. Brobbey doubled the lead in the 17th minute with a precise finish after a Denzel Dumfries cross. Although Sweden had a header disallowed for offside before halftime, the Netherlands maintained their lead.

In the second half, the Netherlands extended their advantage. Gakpo scored his first goal in the 47th minute following a one-two with Dumfries, and then completed his brace in the 54th minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. This 100th World Cup goal for the Netherlands also marked a significant milestone for the team.

Sweden managed a consolation goal in the 59th minute through Anthony Elanga, but Crysencio Summerville added a fifth for the Netherlands in the 89th minute. The win propelled the Netherlands to a 14-match unbeaten run in the World Cup, surpassing Brazil's previous record of 13. Brobbey's brace within 16 minutes also set a record for the fourth-fastest brace in World Cup history.

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Brian Brobbey opened the scoring early and completed his brace within 17 minutes, with Cody Gakpo also netting two goals to seal the win.