Netherlands vs Sweden LIVE: World Cup 2026 result, updates and reaction as Dutch run riot | OneFootball

Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo score two goals each as Ronald Koeman issues emphatic riposte to his critics

The Netherlands announced themselves as potential World Cup contenders as they thrashed Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday. The Oranje bounced back in some style after conceding a last-gasp equaliser to Japan in their opening game, taking control of Group F as head coach Ronald Koeman emphatically answered his critics. His surprise decision to start Brian Brobbey over Crysencio Summerville paid off quickly, with the Sunderland striker prodding home twice inside the first 17 minutes following crosses from Cody Gakpo and Denzel Dumfries.

Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga was a bright spark for the Swedes off the bench as he reduced the deficit after combining with Alexander Isak, though Graham Potter’s side could not push on and they conceded again late on as substitute Summerville made it two goals in as many games for his country at this tournament.

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Netherlands 5-1 Sweden

Absolutely emphatic from the Dutch and a real statement of World Cup intent.

They now top Group F on four points and will be going into the last 32.

The perfect way to bounce back from that frustrating last-gasp draw with Japan and a fine riposte to his critics from Ronald Koeman, whose decisions have been criticised this week.

They all paid off handsomely today though, not least the shock call to start Brian Brobbey up front.

Sweden are the first team ever at the tournament to win their opening game by four goals, and then lose by four goals straight afterwards.

A lot for Graham Potter to work on ahead of a tough final group game against Japan.

Netherlands 5-1 Sweden

Full-time

Netherlands 5-1 Sweden

Into five minutes of added time in Houston.

Van Dijk was down a few minutes ago for the Netherlands holding his side, but quickly got back to his feet.

Summerville now receives medical attention in the corner after being caught by an accidental knee to the face from Zeneli, who quickly calls for the physios.

Thankfully he looks okay.

GOAL! Netherlands 5-1 Sweden | Crysencio Summerville 89'

89 mins: Another fine World Cup goal from the West Ham winger!

The Swedes are cut apart by another incisive passing move, with Summerville running at Lindelof before delightfully pulling his shot into the bottom corner.

Nordfeldt had no chance.

From 5-1 winners to 5-1 losers in the space of five days for Sweden.

Life comes at you fast at the World Cup. What a result for the Netherlands.

Another few million onto West Ham’s asking price for the in-demand Summerville, who also scored a great goal against Japan last weekend.

Netherlands 4-1 Sweden

88 mins: The Swedes are still carrying a threat late on in Houston, even if any sort of result is now well beyond them.

Ali has been bright off the bench and now drives into the side netting.

Netherlands 4-1 Sweden

85 mins: An acrobatic one-handed save from Verbruggen as Isak lets fly from range for Sweden.

His next stop is more conventional as another shot comes his way from distance.

Netherlands 4-1 Sweden

83 mins: This is a dangerous looking counter-attack from Sweden, but Elanga chooses the wrong option and the opportunity is lost.

Netherlands 4-1 Sweden

81 mins: Tottenham midfielder Bergvall catches Liverpool’s Gakpo high and becomes the third Swedish player to have his name taken by referee Michael Oliver.

He can have no complaints.

Netherlands 4-1 Sweden

79 mins: Potter looks to his bench once more with just over 10 minutes to play under the roof in Houston, where the weather outside appears to be turning stormy.

Taha Ali replaces Ayari.