Barca World Cup Spotlight: Frenkie de Jong with yet another composed display for the Netherlands | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup groups are slowly taking shape, with six groups having played their final-round games.

The expanded 48-team World Cup allows some breathing room for third-placed teams as well, should they do well enough in the group, and the stakes are much higher than usual.

Last night, several teams came into the night with plenty to gain, with Ecuador sensationally securing a win against four-time world champions Germany to give themselves a fighting chance.

Following two underwhelming opening games, the South American side, who had such an impressive qualification run, fought their way back into contention by securing three points against Julian Nagelsmann’s team.

Japan and Sweden also played out a fascinating game that ended 1-1, with the former securing second place in the group and the latter having to wait a while before they know their status.

Japan have now set up a date with Brazil in the World Cup round of 32, which promises to be an excellent clash on paper.

For Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong was the only player in action last night for the Netherlands, and here is how he fared.

Frenkie de Jong vs Tunisia

De Jong was the only Barcelona player in action on the recent matchday. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong’s World Cup group stage ended with another composed performance, as the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 and moved into the knockouts with momentum.

The Dutch controlled the game with 72 percent possession, 20 shots, 601 completed passes and 112 entries into the final third.

Frenkie played 72 minutes before being replaced by Teun Koopmeiners.

It was not a performance built around goals or assists, but it was exactly the kind of display Barcelona fans understand from him.

Frenkie completed 60 of his 65 passes and produced 235 metres of progression, helping the Netherlands keep the ball moving through midfield and avoid turning the game into a physical fight.

That control mattered. Tunisia defended in a 5-4-1 shape and tried to live through clearances, second balls and set pieces, but the Dutch midfield kept resetting attacks before the match could become uncomfortable.

The Netherlands had gone two goals up early through an Ellyes Skhiri own goal and Brian Brobbey’s finish, but Tunisia briefly threatened after Hazem Mastouri pulled one back in the 54th minute.

The Barcelona captain was taken off in the second half. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Jan Paul van Hecke restored the cushion eight minutes later and helped the Dutch see out the game.

The most encouraging thing was Frenkie’s rhythm. He looked calm, sharp and trusted, without needing to force the spectacular.

That has always been the best version of him: a midfielder who makes the game feel calmer for everyone around him.

There is also a physical positive here. After previous concerns around his condition, another controlled outing without playing the full 90 feels like a sensible outcome for both club and country.

This was not Frenkie’s loudest World Cup performance, but it was mature and useful.

The Netherlands have a difficult test in the round of 32 against Morocco, and they will need Frenkie at his best if they hope to beat the AFCON champions and move to the next round.