FIFA World Cup 2026: Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to top Group F
Kansas City, June 26
The Netherlands sealed top spot in Group F with a commanding 3-1 victory over Tunisia in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match at Kansas City Stadium on Thursday, June 25.
The Dutch finished the group stage unbeaten with two wins and a draw, while Tunisia bowed out of the tournament without a victory.
The Netherlands made a dream start, taking the lead in just the third minute. Denzel Dumfries drilled a dangerous low cross into the box, and Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear the danger.
Just four minutes later, Ronald Koeman's side doubled their advantage. Virgil van Dijk kept a corner alive inside the area before setting up Brian Brobbey, who made no mistake from close range to score his third goal of the tournament and put the Dutch firmly in control.
The Oranje continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the first half, with Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders dictating play in midfield as Tunisia struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
Tunisia showed greater urgency after the break and pulled a goal back in the 54th minute. Hazem Mastouri rose highest to meet Hannibal Mejbri's corner and powered a header beyond the goalkeeper to give the African side hope.
However, the Netherlands quickly restored their two-goal cushion. In the 62nd minute, Reijnders delivered an inviting corner and defender Jan Paul van Hecke headed home from close range to score his first international goal and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
The Dutch comfortably managed the closing stages, denying Tunisia any chance of another comeback to wrap up a convincing victory.
The win saw the Netherlands finish atop Group F with seven points, ahead of Japan and Sweden, who also progressed to the Round of 32 following a 1-1 draw. Tunisia exited the tournament after finishing bottom of the group with one point.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Tunisia fought well in the second half — Mastouri's header was class. But the Dutch defense was too organized. Reminds me of how Indian team plays against stronger sides: heart but no killer finish 😐 Also, bit sad to see Tunisia go out without a win. Africa needs more depth in football.
Netherlands vs India would be a dream match! Imagine our boys learning from de Jong's passing 🤩 Anyway, good to see van Hecke score his first international goal — special moment. But Tunisia deserved at least a draw for that second-half fighting spirit. End of an era for them.
Koeman's tactics are on point — controlled midfield, quick transitions. But honestly, Tunisia's goal exposed some defensive hole from the corner. If India ever reaches World Cup (fingers crossed 🤞), we need this kind of set-play solidity. Also, RIP Tunisia — always underdogs but never quit.
As a cricket-loving Indian, I still enjoy watching World Cup football. Netherlands = total football reloaded! Brobbey scoring again is huge — 3 goals in tournament for a young striker? Not bad at all. But gotta ask: why didn't Tunisia start with more attack? They waited too long.
Heartbreaking for Tunisia fans — they came so close in 2018 and 2022, but 2026 is a washout. Meanwhile, Netherlands quietly topping group without much noise — true champions vibe. In India we don't get many World Cup moments, but watching this from home makes us feel part
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