Netherlands top Group F with 3-1 win over Tunisia, set up Morocco clash in last 32

KATHMANDU: The Netherlands secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Friday to finish as Group F winners and book their place in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Ronald Koeman’s side will now face Morocco in Monterrey on June 29.

Playing at Kansas City Stadium, the Dutch made a flying start and took the lead after just three minutes.

Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net while attempting to clear the danger, giving the Netherlands a 1-0 advantage.

The lead was doubled four minutes later when Brian Brobbey found the net. Virgil van Dijk headed a free-kick delivery back into the danger area, allowing Brobbey to finish from close range for his third goal of the tournament.

Tunisia had an early opportunity to level the score before the Dutch second goal, but Ismaël Gharbi failed to hit the target despite finding himself in a promising position.

Having already suffered heavy defeats against Japan and Sweden, Tunisia spent much of the match on the defensive.

Early in the second half, Skhiri redeemed himself with a crucial block to deny Dumfries from adding another goal during a rain-soaked contest.

Tunisia gave themselves hope in the 54th minute. Hannibal Mejbri’s corner was met by Hazem Mastouri, whose header reduced the deficit to 2-1.

However, the comeback hopes were short-lived. In the 62nd minute, Jan Paul van Hecke restored the Netherlands’ two-goal cushion, heading home from an excellent cross delivered by Tijjani Reijnders.

The victory ensured the Netherlands finished top of Group F with seven points from three matches.

Japan advanced as runners-up with five points after drawing 1-1 with Sweden, while Sweden finished third on four points.

Tunisia ended the campaign bottom of the group without a point and were eliminated from the tournament.

The match also marked a historic milestone for the Dutch, as it was the first time in their 58 World Cup matches that they scored twice within the opening seven minutes of a game.

Brobbey was named Player of the Match for his influential performance and crucial early goal.