Tunisia vs Netherlands live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest news and buildup

After a flat 2-2 draw with Japan, the Netherlands cut loose against Sweden, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey inspiring a 5-1 demolition that had everyone asking whether Ronald Koeman’s side are contenders after all.

The Netherlands and Japan are level on four points, with the Dutch ahead only on goals scored — and with both playing simultaneously, top spot will be settled on the night. If both win, the group is likely to come down to goal difference and then goals scored, so the Netherlands hold the edge; if one slips, the other takes top spot outright.

The stakes are real, too: the Group F winner avoids the likely Group C winners — Brazil — in the round of 32, while the runner-up could be handed exactly that tie. Expect no charity from a Dutch side that has rediscovered its swagger and is chasing a first World Cup crown after three final defeats.