World Cup 2026: Netherlands secure Group F top spot, Tunisia's nightmare ends
Key takeaways
- The Netherlands claimed an emphatic 3-1 victory over Tunisia to secure their Group F top spot.
- Issued on: 26/06/2026 - 02:57Modified: 26/06/2026 - 02:58
- Skhiri's own goal in the third minute and Brobbey's clinical finish just four minutes later gave the Dutch a commanding two-goal lead within seven minutes.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
The Netherlands claimed an emphatic 3-1 victory over Tunisia to secure their Group F top spot. The Dutch struck early through an own goal from Ellyes Skhiri and Brian Brobbey's clinical finish, before JP van Hecke added a third to seal the victory. Tunisia's Hamza Mastouri pulled one back, but it proved merely a consolation as the Oranje cruised to victory. The Netherlands will take on Morocco in their Round of 32 encounter.
Issued on: 26/06/2026 - 02:57Modified: 26/06/2026 - 02:58
By: FRANCE 24 Tunisia's Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida in action with Netherlands' Donyell Malen. © Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters The Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City with a lightning-fast start that set the tone for a dominant display. Skhiri's own goal in the third minute and Brobbey's clinical finish just four minutes later gave the Dutch a commanding two-goal lead within seven minutes. The Oranje, needing victory to secure their first place, dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the first half. Tunisia, already eliminated after heavy defeats to Sweden and Japan, offered little resistance in the opening 45 minutes. Mastouri's 54th-minute header gave the North Africans hope, but the Netherlands' defensive solidity remained intact heading into the second half.