Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group F.

The match took place on 25 June 2026 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Both sides entered the encounter aiming to collect points in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the stadium provided a vibrant backdrop for a decisive group-stage clash.

How it unfolded

The opening minutes were dominated by the Netherlands, who took the lead in the third minute when Tunisia defender Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The own goal gave the Dutch an early 1-0 advantage and set the tone for the first half.

Just four minutes later, the Netherlands doubled their lead. Brian Brobbey received a precise headed pass from Virgil van Dijk after a set-piece situation and struck a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top right corner. By the seventh minute the score read 2-0, leaving Tunisia with a steep hill to climb.

The second half offered Tunisia a lifeline. In the 54th minute, a corner was delivered by Hannibal Mejbri, finding Hazem Mastouri who rose to meet the ball with a header, directing it to the bottom left corner. The goal reduced the deficit to 2-1 and injected fresh belief into the Tunisian side.

Eight minutes later, the Netherlands restored a two-goal cushion. Following another corner, Tijjani Reijnders supplied a low cross that was met by Jan Paul van Hecke, who headed the ball from the left side of the six-yard box into the top right corner. The 62nd-minute strike made the score 3-1, a lead the Dutch would maintain until the final whistle.

Standout performers

The decisive actions came from a handful of players. Brian Brobbey proved clinical, adding his name to the scoresheet with a well-timed finish, while Virgil van Dijk supplied the crucial assist that set up the second goal. Jan Paul van Hecke contributed a powerful header from a set-piece, showcasing his aerial presence.

For Tunisia, Hazem Mastouri delivered a well-executed header from a corner, and Hannibal Mejbri provided the service that sparked the comeback. Although the own goal was unfortunate, Ellyes Skhiri’s mishap inadvertently gave the Netherlands an early advantage.

Match facts

  • Final score: Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands
  • Goals:
    • 3’ Own goal – Ellyes Skhiri (Tunisia) – awarded to Netherlands
    • 7’ Brian Brobbey (Netherlands) – assisted by Virgil van Dijk
    • 54’ Hazem Mastouri (Tunisia) – assisted by Hannibal Mejbri
    • 62’ Jan Paul van Hecke (Netherlands) – assisted by Tijjani Reijnders
  • Bookings: None
  • Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

What it means

The result leaves both teams with further work to do in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Netherlands move forward with three points from this encounter, while Tunisia will look to recover in their remaining group matches.