The Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1, entering the World Cup as group winners | World Cup 2026

The Netherlands are top of Group F with seven points and will face Morocco in the round of 32 in Monterrey on Monday.

The Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 to top World Cup Group F, avoiding a tricky encounter with Brazil in the last 32.

Ronald Koeman’s men flew to a two-goal lead in soggy Kansas City, thanks to the insecurity of their opponents, who leave the competition without a point.

First, Ellyes Skhiri headed Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net, and minutes later, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey headed home from close range.

That seemed to seal the deal for the Netherlands, whose orange-clad fans were enjoying the Mexican wave midway through the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.

Tunisia pulled a goal back in the second half, but the Dutch restored their two-goal lead through Jan Paul van Hecke’s header just after the hour mark.

The Netherlands, who finished their group with seven points, pipped Japan to the top of Group F, and will face Morocco in the second round in Monterrey on Monday.

Japan drew 1-1 against Sweden in Arlington, Texas, to secure second place, although the Scandinavian team also went on as one of the eight best-placed teams to finish third.

Thursday’s game started on time after thunderstorms threatened to disrupt the early stages of the American Midwest.

Tunisia went close in the opening period, when Ismael Gharbi shot from close range, but that proved a lie to come.

Instead, Skhiri turned the ball into his own net in the third minute to put the final three ahead.

Four minutes later, Brobbey scored his third goal in the World Cup when Virgil van Dijk headed in a Tijjani Reijnders free kick.

Tunisia threatened to attack but managed to reach half-time without conceding again.

The North Africans pulled a goal back in the 54th minute, when Hazem Mastouri headed home Hannibal Mejbri’s corner.

But any potential jitters were quickly dispelled a few minutes later, when Van Hecke’s header from Reijnders’ corner went into the net via a deflection.

Tunisia return home with their tails between their legs after a disappointing campaign in which they conceded 12 goals in three games.

Former French coach Herve Renard was hired last week Sabri Lamouchi was fired Following the team’s 5-1 loss to Sweden in the opening game in Mexico.

But they could not stop the rot, as Tunisia, who skipped the qualifiers without scoring a single goal, fell 4-0 against Japan before being defeated by the Dutch.