FIFA World Cup 2026: Brobbey, Gakpo score braces as Netherlands rout Sweden 5-1
Texas, June 21
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both struck twice as the Netherlands produced a dominant performance to defeat Sweden 5-1, registering their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brobbey, who replaced Crysencio Summerville in the only change from the 2-2 draw against Japan, scored two goals inside the opening 17 minutes in Houston. His early brace marked the fourth-fastest in FIFA World Cup history.
Sweden gradually settled into the contest and created several chances towards the end of the first half, but Gakpo took control after the break, scoring twice within seven minutes to put the Dutch firmly in charge.
Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour mark, but substitute Summerville added a late fifth goal for Ronald Koeman's side, who are now close to securing a place in the knockout stage.
The Netherlands began emphatically, scoring in the fifth minute when Brobbey finished off a flowing move involving Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo, who provided the assist from the left flank.
Sweden responded through Viktor Gyokeres, who tested Bart Verbruggen, but Brobbey doubled his tally shortly after by converting Denzel Dumfries' cross with a close-range finish.
The Dutch remained in control despite Sweden's efforts, with Gyokeres and others forcing several saves from Verbruggen, though they were unable to convert their pressure before half-time.
After the restart, Gakpo extended the lead with a quick double--first tapping in another Dumfries cross and then finishing with a clever reverse strike past Kristoffer Nordfeldt.
Graham Potter introduced Elanga after Sweden fell 4-0 behind, and the forward responded quickly by scoring after a fine pass from Alexander Isak.
However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, as Summerville sealed the emphatic win with a superb late strike in the 89th minute as the Dutch side stayed in the knockout hunt.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Sweden looked out of sorts from the start. That early brace from Brobbey just killed the game. Elanga’s goal gave some hope but it was too little too late. Netherlands are back!
I’m not usually a Netherlands fan but this performance was something else. Gakpo’s reverse strike reminded me of Bergkamp. 🤯 Hope India gets to play in a World Cup one day.
As a football fan from the US, it’s great seeing the World Cup here in Texas. Both teams gave it their all. Netherlands looked clinical while Sweden missed chances. That’s football.
Incredible start for Brobbey! Two goals in 17 minutes is insane. 🔥 But I feel for Sweden—they tried to fight back but the Dutch defense held strong. Summerville’s goal was the cherry on top.
Netherlands are showing why they’re always a threat. That 5-1 scoreline doesn’t lie. Brobbey and Gakpo combining well could trouble any defense. Sweden needs to regroup quickly.
I’m just happy to see good football in this World Cup. The Netherlands look dangerous. Gakpo has been consistent, but
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