FIFA World Cup 2026: Tunisia end poor WC campaign, concede 12 goals
Kansas City, June 26
Tunisia ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on the wrong side of history, conceding 12 goals, the joint-most by a team in a group stage since North Korea in the 2010 edition.
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 (local time). The Dutch finished the group stage unbeaten with two wins and a draw, while Tunisia bowed out of the tournament without a victory or a point.
Before this, Tunisia registered a 5-1 thrashing against Sweden, before a 4-0 thrashing against Japan.
As per Opta Analyst, Tunisia's 12 goals conceded are the most by any team since North Korea's 12 goals in the 2010 edition and the most outright goals conceded in a FIFA WC since Brazil in 2014 (14 conceded in seven games).
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
Oof. 12 goals conceded is brutal, but give credit to Netherlands – they're clinical. India can learn from this: even top African teams get demolished when they don't have proper defensive organisation. Our AIFF should study Tunisia's mistakes to avoid similar fates in 2030! 🇮🇳⚽
Tough luck for Tunisia. Scoring just one goal all tournament while conceding 12... that's worse than a cricket scoreline! 🏏 But let's be realistic: Tunisia's best players weren't fit, and Netherlands are just too strong. As an Indian, I'm just happy football is growing here – hopefully our team never ends up on such lists.
As a neutral Indian fan, this is sad to watch. Tunisia's goalkeeper must be having nightmares! 😢 But honestly, they were unlucky with the own goal and had some fight in the second half against Netherlands. Still, 12 goals is unacceptable at this level. North Korea's record finally equalled – not the kind of history you want to make.
Respect to Tunisia for trying, but the gap between African and European teams is huge. Even Brazil conceded 14 in 2014, so it's not just a 'small team' problem. India would likely ship more if we qualified today. We need 10 more years of development before we can compete. Let's learn from Tunisia's defensive mistakes. 🇮🇳⚽️
As someone who follows both cricket and football, this is equivalent
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