Netherlands claimed top spot in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Tunisia 3-1 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Ronald Koeman's side finishing first ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Morocco.

The result arrived in ideal circumstances for the Dutch — the parallel Group F fixture between Japan and Sweden ended 1-1, meaning Netherlands needed only to match that result to secure first place. They did considerably more than that.

Fast start puts Dutch in control

Netherlands wasted no time establishing their dominance. In the 3rd minute, Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri turned the ball into his own net — the 12th own goal of the tournament and joint-most in World Cup history. Just four minutes later, Brian Brobbey tapped home his third goal of the competition to put the Dutch firmly in the driving seat.

Tunisia were not without their moments. Isam Ben Slimane went close with a header in the 13th minute, and the African side might have taken the lead before Skhiri's unfortunate opener, with a chance squandered inside the first two minutes.

Tunisia respond before van Hecke seals it

Netherlands' grip on the match loosened briefly early in the second half. Hazem Mastouri gave Tunisia reason to believe when he halved the deficit on his World Cup debut in the 53rd minute — a fine way to mark a first appearance at football's biggest stage.

The Dutch hit back with conviction, however. Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal advantage with a header in the 62nd minute to end Tunisia's hopes of a comeback. Tijjani Reijnders then struck the crossbar with a delicate chip four minutes later as Netherlands pushed for more.

Netherlands move on, Tunisia go home

Tunisia exit the 2026 World Cup without a single point from three group games, a disappointing end to their campaign. Netherlands, meanwhile, advance to the Round of 32 to face Morocco — a semi-finalist at the 2022 World Cup — in Guadalupe, Mexico on Tuesday 30 June, with kick-off at 2am.

Koeman's side have scored 10 goals across their three group games, a tally that marks them as a dangerous proposition in the knockout rounds. The encounter with Morocco promises to be among the most compelling ties of the Round of 32, a genuine test of whether Netherlands can sustain this level against elite opposition.