Gakpo, Brobbey sparkle as Netherlands sink Sweden

The Netherlands stormed to the top of Group F after braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo secured a thrilling 5-1 victory over Sweden in Houston.

The Swedes fought till the very end but had to play catch-up the moment Brobbey slammed home an inviting Gakpo cross inside five minutes.

The Sunderland striker found the net again just 12 minutes later when he slid in to divert home a low Denzel Dumfries’ centre.

Within eight minutes of the restart the game was well and truly beyond Sweden.

Gakpo scored a quickfire double, converting from close range before cutting inside to crash home a trademark drive from the edge of the area.

Gakpo’s second goal was his fifth in only seven World Cup appearances. He is now just two behind the Netherlands’ record scorer at the finals, Johnny Rep.

Substitute Anthony Elanga reduced the margin with a superb breakaway effort, but the impressive Crysencio Summerville restored the Oranje's four-goal cushion with an emphatic right-foot strike as the clock ticked down.

Player of the Match:Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Chosen by the fans: Cody Gakpo, your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match. 👏

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/rmmaEcxShq

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 20, 2026