Brian Brobbey bags a brace as the Netherlands get their 2026 World Cup campaign up and running

The Netherlands were ruthless going forward as they dismantled Sweden in their second group game of the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch ended up winning 5-1, although goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen certainly had to make some important saves to help the side win in such as convincing manner. Cody Gakpo was the star of the show, but Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey also announced himself at the tournament with a brace.

The striker started against Sweden after being on the bench against Japan and ensured he would be Ronald Koeman’s starting striker for the rest of the tournament. It took the Sunderland forward just a few minutes to open the scoring, making it a brace after 17 minutes. Shortly after half-time, Gakpo got into the action. The Liverpool man helped himself to a brace, while Crysenscio Summerville got his second World Cup goal after coming off the bench. Denzel Dumfries also got his first two assists of the tournament.

The large margin of victory all but confirms that the Netherlands will be going through to the next round. They now have four points and a plus four goal difference going into the final group game against Tunisia, who lost 5-1 to Sweden in their opening game.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson