◤FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico◢ Cody Gakpo scored twice and assisted once as the Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1..

The Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in their second Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday.

In the first half, Brobbey scored twice early on with close-range shots, while Lagerbielke scored with a header but it was disallowed. In the second half, Gakpo scored with a close-range shot and then followed it up with a powerful volley, while Elanga chipped the ball into an empty net over the goalkeeper. In a crucial moment, Summerville scored with a long-range effort. Ultimately, the Netherlands secured a resounding 5-1 victory over Sweden. After this round of matches, the Oranje, having returned to winning ways, moved up to first place in the group with 4 points; the Blågult are currently second with 3 points.

First Half

In the 4th minute, Cody Gakpo crossed into the box from the byline at the left wing. Brian Brobbey quickly followed-up and upon receiving the pass, tapped the ball into the lower center of the net from a very close distance in the box with his right foot. The Netherlands broke the deadlock early to take a 1-0 lead!

2 minutes later, Alexander Bernhardsson made a straight pass from the right wing. Viktor Gyökeres quickly followed up, got the ball and dribbled into the right side of the box before volleying with his right foot, but his shot was blocked by Bart Verbruggen's outstretched leg.

In the 16th minute, Denzel Dumfries crossed into the box from the right wing. Brian Brobbey quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net from a very close distance in the box to score his second goal of the match, quickly extending the Netherlands' lead to 2-0!

In the 39th minute, the Netherlands launched a quick counter-attack. Frenkie de Jong intercepted the ball at the right wing. Donyell Malen got the ball and took a few steps before volleying wit his right footed from the right side of the box, but his shot went just wide of the bottom left corner of the post.

1 minute later, Alexander Isak passes horizontally from the attacking third. Yasin Ayari quickly followed up, got the ball, cuts inside and took a few steps before taking a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot flew high and went out of the pitch.

In the 43rd minute, Sweden earned a free kick opportunity. Benjamin Nygren took the kick by crossing it into the box from outside the penalty area. Gustaf Lagerbielke rose high and scored with a header from a very close distance in the ball box, however the linesman immediately raised his flag for offside, and the goal was disallowed.

In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Sweden won free kick opportunity. Gyökeres took the free kick from outside the box by taking direct right-footed shot, but his shot was saved by Verbruggen.

3 minutes later, Gyökeres passed the ball back from the left side of the box. Upon receiving the pass, Ayari took a left-footed long shot from outside the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Verbruggen.

At halftime, the Netherlands enter the break temporarily leading Sweden by 2-0.

Second Half

Both teams switched sides as the match continued. In the 46th minute, Dumfries crossed into the box from the byline at the right wing. Cody Gakpo quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from a very close distance in the box with his left foot, extending the Netherlands' lead to 3-0!

7 minutes later, Crysencio Summerville passes horizontally from the attacking third. Gakpo quickly followed up, got the ball, dribbled and cuts into the left side of the box before volleying the ball into the bottom left corner of the net with his left foot, scoring his second goal of the match. Netherlands 4-0 Sweden! This was the Liverpool striker's 23rd international goal for the Oranje!

In the 56th minute, Bergvall passes horizontally from the right wing. Ayari got the ball and took a few steps before taking a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot went just slightly over the crossbar.

2 minutes later, Isak played a through ball from the midfield center circle. After beating the offside trap, Anthony Elanga quickly followed up, got the ball and dribbled into the center of the box before chipping the ball into the empty net over the outrushing Verbruggen. Sweden pulled a goal back at 4-1!

In the 83rd minute, Taha Ali passed the back from the left wing. Alexander Isak stopped the ball and adjusted his angle before taking a right-footed long shot from outside the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Verbruggen.

5 minutes later, Memphis Depay made a straight pass from the attacking third. Crysencio Summerville quickly followed up, got the ball and took a few steps before taking a right-footed long shot from the outside the penalty area which flew straight into the bottom left corner of the net that left Kristoffer Nordfeldt out of reach. The Netherlands secured a 5-1 victory!

When the final whistle is blown, Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1.

Image source: Internet / AFP