Netherlands Roar To First 2026 World Cup Win With 5-1 Rout of Sweden

Netherlands Roar To First 2026 World Cup Win With 5-1 Rout Of Sweden

The Netherlands announced themselves at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a ruthless 5-1 demolition of Sweden at NRG Stadium, sealing their first victory of the tournament in style.

Brian Brobbey struck early with goals in the 7th and 17th minutes to put the Dutch in control. Cody Gakpo then took over after halftime, scoring in the 47th and 54th minutes to extend the lead. Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden five minutes later, but Crysencio Summerville finished the job with an 89th-minute strike to complete the rout.

*Dutch Dominance, Swedish Woes
The result leaves Sweden with an unwanted record. They are the first nation since Denmark in 1986 to both score 5+ goals and concede 5+ goals in two different games at a single World Cup.

Denmark achieved the feat with a 6-1 win over Uruguay and a 1-5 loss to Spain. Sweden now match that record after last week’s 5-goal win and this 5-goal defeat.

Unbeaten Dutch In Group Stage
The 5-1 win extends the Netherlands’ remarkable World Cup group stage record to 11 games unbeaten. That run includes 9 wins and 2 draws across 2010, 2014, 2022 and now 2026. Their last group stage defeat came before the 2010 tournament.

Pundits React
Zlatan Ibrahimović did not hold back after Sweden’s collapse: “I am angry because this is not the Sweden I know… At a World Cup, that should never happen to Sweden. You can forgive mistakes, but you cannot forgive a lack of courage.”

Steven Gerrard praised Gakpo’s Liverpool-level performance: “When you watch Cody Gakpo tonight, that’s exactly the player Liverpool fans want to see… Two goals, a top-tier assist, and completely running the show.” He also tipped Alexander Isak as “top, top player” despite Sweden’s loss, citing chances created for Viktor Gyökeres.

Thierry Henry focused on the mentality gap: “The Netherlands have completely controlled every aspect of this game… Great teams suffer, but they find solutions. Sweden looked lost the moment the Netherlands took control. The Netherlands haven’t just beaten Sweden tonight. They’ve sent a message to every team watching this World Cup.”