Fast-starting Netherlands beat Tunisia to top Group F
A blistering Dutch start proved decisive as the Netherlands saw off Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City to finish top of Group F and march into the knockout rounds.
Jun 26, 2026
The Netherlands settled the question of Group F almost before Tunisia had touched the ball. Two goals inside the opening seven minutes set the Oranje on their way to a 3-1 win in Kansas City, and a comfortable evening confirmed them as group winners heading into the last 32.
Two goals in seven minutes
Tunisia barely had time to find their shape. An early Dutch attack forced the ball into a dangerous area and Ellyes Skhiri turned it into his own net in the third minute, the worst possible start for a side that needed a result to keep its tournament alive. Four minutes later it was two, Brian Brobbey arriving to finish off a flowing move and leave the Netherlands cruising before the game had properly begun.
From there the Dutch were content to control the tempo. Tunisia saw plenty of the ball without ever truly threatening, and the half-time scoreline flattered nobody.
Mastouri’s reply, then van Hecke’s header
Tunisia did at least give their supporters a moment to cheer. Hazem Mastouri rose to head home in the 54th minute, halving the deficit and hinting at a nervier finish than the Netherlands would have wanted. The response was emphatic. Eight minutes later Jan Paul van Hecke climbed highest from a set piece to nod in his first goal of the tournament, restoring the two-goal cushion and snuffing out any thoughts of a Tunisian comeback.
It was a fitting way to cap a performance built on early control. The Netherlands rarely had to get out of second gear, and when Tunisia did threaten to make it interesting, they had the composure to answer straight away.
Group winners and into the knockouts
Top spot in Group F was the prize, and the Dutch claimed it with something to spare after an earlier rout of Sweden underlined their attacking threat. Tunisia, by contrast, head home, their hopes ended by those frantic opening minutes.
Ronald Koeman’s side now wait to learn their last-32 opponent, and on this evidence they will fancy their chances against most of the field. A team that can put a game to bed inside seven minutes is one nobody in the knockout rounds will want to draw.