Tunisia v Netherlands
Play By Play
The full-time whistle sounds at Kansas City Stadium as the Netherlands defeat Tunisia 3-1 to top Group F, finishing two points ahead of Japan. The Netherlands took the lead through Skhiri’s own-goal in the third minute after Dumfries’ right-wing centre was inadvertently diverted into the net by the Tunisia captain. It got better for Koeman’s side as Van Dijk cushioned Reijnders’ free-kick into the path of Brobbey, who prodded home at the back post four minutes later. Tunisia improved after the break and pulled one back nine minutes into the second half, as Hannibal’s right-wing corner was glanced by Mastouri past the stranded Verbruggen. However, the Dutch restored their two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute as Reijnders’ corner was flicked on by Van Hecke, via a slight deflection off Ben Slimane, and into the top-right corner. The result sees the Netherlands progress to the round of 32, where they will face Morocco. For Tunisia, their participation in the World Cup comes to a disappointing end. They created 10 shots, with four on target, reflected by an xG of 0.43. Whereas, the Netherlands registered 20 shots with seven on target, highlighted by an xG of 1.68. That concludes our live commentary of this 2026 World Cup Group F contest. We hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and take care!
FULL-TIME: TUNISIA 1-3 NETHERLANDS
Van Hecke (currently on 131 successful passes) has already completed more passes than any other Dutch player has in a World Cup match since Opta collects this data (since 1966). No player with that many successful passes in a World Cup game since it's being tracked, also managed to score.
There will be five minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half.
A final change for Tunisia sees Mastouri come off for Tounekti.
It remains 1-1 in the other Group F game between Japan and Sweden. As it stands, the Netherlands will top Group F with seven points.
Gakpo is replaced by Lang in the final minutes of this game.
Here's an interesting stat! Depay plays in his 12th World Cup game (W7 D4 so far). He can join Mario Zagallo (W10 D2), Julio Olarticoechea and Daley Blind (both W8 D4) as one of four players with (at least) 12 World Cup games and no defeats in regular time or extra-time!
A free-kick is delivered to the back post, with Van Hecke cushioning it back across goal, but Ake can only direct his header into the stands. A good opportunity for Koeman's side...
Sunderland's Brobbey is replaced by Depay.
Hannibal comes forward before shifting the ball to his left foot, and firing an effort towards goal, which Verbruggen tips over the crossbar. The resulting corner is played into the box, but Achouri rifles into the stands.
Another change for Tunisia sees Gharbi come off for Chaouat. Gharbi had a brilliant opportunity to give his side the lead inside two minutes, but blazed a close-range effort over the woodwork.
The hydration break has ended, and play has resumed at Kansas City Stadium!
Malen also comes off for West Ham's Summerville.
The lively Reijnders comes off for Kluivert.
Koeman uses this hydration break as an opportunity to make some changes. The first sees De Jong replaced by Koopmeiners.
Play has paused for another hydration break! As it stands, the Netherlands will be facing Morocco in the round of 32.
Reijnders must be thinking what does he need to do to score?! The midfielder hits a first-time strike, which is pushed away by the Tunisia goalkeeper...
Ben Hmida also comes off for Ben Ouanes.
The second change sees Ben Slimane replaced by Achouri.
It's a triple substitution for Tunisia. The first sees Khedira come off for Mahmoud.
CROSSBAR! Almost a fourth for the Dutch! Dahmen flaps at a clearance, which kindly falls to Reijnders on the edge of the box. The Manchester City midfielder dinks the goalkeeper, but sees his effort rattle against the woodwork!
In Group F's other game, Sweden have levelled the scoreline against Japan. Anthony Elanga makes it 1-1 with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box!
Reijnders gets his first assist of the tournament. The Netherlands scored their first World Cup goal from a corner since June 2014, when Wesley Sneijder netted against Brazil.
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!! THE NETHERLANDS SCORE THEIR THIRD OF THE GAME! Reijnders delivers a left-wing corner to the near post with Van Hecke rising highest to flick a header on. It takes a slight nick off Ben Slimane before finding the top-right corner! Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands!
