The Netherlands routed Sweden 5-1 in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice to dismantle the Swedish defense and push the Dutch squad to the top of their group standings.
Manager Ronald Koeman brought Brobbey into the starting lineup following a 2-2 opening draw with Japan. The adjustment yielded immediate results. Brobbey scored twice in the first 17 minutes, finding the net in the 5th and 17th minutes. Officials timed the brace at exactly 16:12, making it the fourth-fastest in tournament history behind performances from Lukas Podolski, Ronaldo Nazario, and Gary Lineker.
Gakpo added two more goals in quick succession early in the second half, scoring in the 47th and 54th minutes. Gakpo now holds five career World Cup group-stage goals, matching Robin van Persie’s national record. The twin performances marked only the second time two Dutch players scored twice in the same World Cup game, according to BeIN Sports.
Sweden managed a brief response when substitute Anthony Elanga scored in the 59th minute. Sweden deployed a flat back four under manager Graham Potter, a tactical setup that struggled to contain the wide attack before Crysencio Summerville added the final blow in the 89th minute.