By Dwayne Ferreira.
Brobbey and Van Hecke score as the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1, top World Cup Group F and book a round-of-32 showdown with Morocco in Monterrey.
The Netherlands secured first place in FIFA World Cup Group F after a rapid start and second-half control produced a 3-1 victory over eliminated Tunisia in Kansas City.
Ronald Koeman’s side entered the final group match on four points after drawing 2-2 with Japan and defeating Sweden 5-1. Victory would guarantee top position regardless of the result between Japan and Sweden, while Tunisia were playing only for pride after conceding nine goals across two heavy defeats.
The Dutch needed only three minutes to take control. Denzel Dumfries delivered from the right and Tunisia midfielder Ellyes Skhiri, attempting to intercept the cross, diverted the ball into his own net. The early setback immediately reopened the defensive problems that had defined Tunisia’s tournament.
Four minutes later, the Netherlands doubled their advantage. Brian Brobbey found space inside the penalty area and finished clinically, giving Koeman’s team a two-goal cushion before Tunisia had settled into the contest. The Dutch circulated possession comfortably through Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders.
Tunisia had appointed Hervé Renard after dismissing Sabri Lamouchi following their opening 5-1 loss to Sweden. The change brought greater organisation in phases, but the North Africans continued to struggle whenever their defensive line was moved quickly from side to side.
The Netherlands reduced their attacking risk as the first half progressed, aware that events in the simultaneous Japan-Sweden fixture were also favouring them. Tunisia attempted to press higher, but their possession repeatedly broke down before Hazem Mastouri or Anis Slimane could threaten Bart Verbruggen.
Renard’s team found a moment of encouragement in the 54th minute. Mastouri attacked a delivery into the area and directed a header beyond Verbruggen, reducing the deficit and briefly giving Tunisia hope of making the final group match competitive.
That hope lasted eight minutes. Jan Paul van Hecke met a Dutch corner in the 62nd minute and flicked his header into the net, restoring the two-goal advantage. The defender’s goal ended Tunisia’s attempted revival and allowed the Netherlands to manage the remainder without taking unnecessary risks.
Reijnders came close to adding a fourth when his delicate chip struck the crossbar, while substitute Memphis Depay almost connected with an acrobatic attempt. Tunisia continued working but lacked the confidence and defensive stability required to threaten a sustained comeback.
Brobbey again demonstrated his value at the centre of the Dutch attack, while Dumfries influenced the match from the opening minutes. Koeman nevertheless acknowledged that conceding for a seventh consecutive international remained an area requiring improvement before the knockout rounds.
The Netherlands finished first with seven points and 10 goals, setting up a round-of-32 meeting with Morocco in Monterrey on June 29. Tunisia returned home without a point after conceding 12 goals, a group-stage World Cup record, leaving their federation to assess a campaign that deteriorated despite the emergency coaching change.
MATCH SUMMARY
Tunisia – 1
Hazem Mastouri 54’
Netherlands – 3
Ellyes Skhiri 3’ own goal
Brian Brobbey 7’
Jan Paul van Hecke 62’
Result: Netherlands won 3-1
Player of the Match: Brian Brobbey, The Morning Telegraph selection
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group F
Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Date: June 25, 2026
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