Brobbey and Gakpo brace each: Netherlands thrash Sweden 5-1 in Houston
The Oranje dazzle at NRG Stadium with braces from Brobbey and Gakpo to take command of Group F.
The Netherlands delivered one of the most emphatic displays of the 2026 World Cup so far, thrashing Sweden 5-1 at Houston's NRG Stadium in a key Group F clash. The Oranje never gave their rivals a chance and put qualification within reach in a tournament expanded to 48 teams spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Brian Brobbey got the scoring under way early, in the 5th minute, and struck again in the 17th to make it 2-0 and underline Dutch dominance. The in-form striker showed exactly why he has become a focal point for his national team.
After the break, Cody Gakpo took over with a devastating brace of his own, scoring in the 47th minute and again in the 54th to put the game out of reach at 4-0. The winger confirmed his rich vein of form and his importance to the Oranje attack.
Sweden pulled one back in the 59th minute through Anthony Elanga, narrowing the gap to 4-1, but the comeback never gained traction. Crysencio Summerville added the finishing touch in the 89th to seal the final 5-1.
With this rout, the Netherlands send a statement of intent in Group F and position themselves as one of the contenders to go far at the 2026 World Cup, while Sweden are now under pressure to respond in their upcoming fixtures to avoid an early exit.