Netherlands beat Tunisia to seal top spot in Group F

Group of Netherlands football players celebrating together on the pitch in bright orange jerseys.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 26, 2026

The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over Tunisia, capping off an impressive group-stage campaign and booking their place in the Round of 32 as group winners.

The Dutch finished with seven points from three matches, two ahead of Japan, after producing a composed and clinical display that left Tunisia chasing the game from the opening minutes.

Already eliminated before kick-off, Tunisia endured a nightmare start as the Netherlands raced into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes.

The breakthrough came in the third minute when Tunisia midfielder Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following a scramble inside the penalty area.

The Dutch doubled their advantage four minutes later through Brian Brobbey. Defender Virgil van Dijk split the Tunisian defence with an incisive pass, allowing Brobbey to fire a first-time finish into the right corner to make it 2-0.

With an early cushion, the Netherlands controlled possession and dictated the tempo, limiting Tunisia’s attacking opportunities for much of the first half.

Tunisia returned after the break with renewed determination and found a way back into the contest in the 54th minute. Hazem Mastouri rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header into the bottom corner. After a brief VAR review, referee Katia Itzel Garcia Mendoza confirmed the goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Any hopes of a Tunisian comeback were short-lived.

Just eight minutes later, Jan Paul van Hecke restored the Netherlands’ two-goal advantage, heading home from another well-delivered corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Tunisia continued to press and appealed for a penalty in the 76th minute after Elias Achouri went down under a challenge inside the box. However, the referee dismissed the claims and allowed play to continue.

The Netherlands comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to complete a deserved victory and finish at the summit of Group F.

The result sends the Dutch into the Round of 32 with confidence after an unbeaten group-stage campaign.

Japan finished second on five points to also advance, while Sweden ended third with four points and must now wait to see whether they qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Tunisia exit the competition without progressing beyond the group stage.