The Netherlands has showcased an impressive performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with one draw and one win against Sweden. They head into their final Group F match against Tunisia knowing that they are on the verge of sealing a knockout berth. After taking four points from their opening two games against Japan and Sweden, the Dutch are in a strong position, although qualification has not yet been officially secured.
If Ronald Koeman’s side manages to draw the match, they will automatically book their spot in the round of 32, while a victory would further strengthen their campaign. However, the Dutch will aim to end the Group stage as the table toppers. The Netherlands is not guaranteed to finish above Japan, even if they beat Tunisia. To secure the top spot, they will also need to better Japan’s result against Sweden in the other Group F fixture.
Meanwhile, Tunisia has had a disappointing campaign in the World Cup so far. Hervé Renard’s men have conceded a total of nine goals and are still in search of their first World Cup goal. If they suffer another heavy defeat and concede four or more goals again, they would become the first team in World Cup history to allow at least four goals in three consecutive matches – a record they will be desperate to avoid.
Tunisia vs Netherlands: Quick match details
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Group Stage (Group F)
Date: June 25, 2026 (June 26 IST)
Kick-off Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST and 4:30 a.m IST. (June 26)
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, United States
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Tunisia vs Netherlands: Match Preview and Current Form
Tunisia
Tunisia head into their final match for nothing but pride after a disastrous tournament. They have already been eliminated following heavy defeats to Sweden (1-5) and Japan (0-4). Under interim coach Hervé Renard, Tunisia will likely set up defensively to frustrate the Dutch and seek a morale-boosting result or goal, relying on players like Hannibal Mejbri and Ellyes Skhiri for any spark.
Tunisia head into the match in dismal form, winless in their last five matches (D-1 L-4) and leaking goals at an alarming rate. They suffered back-to-back thrashings in the group stage (1-5 vs Sweden and 0- 4 vs Japan), following pre-tournament friendlies that included losses to Austria (0-1) and Belgium (0-5). Despite solid African qualifying their tournament performances have highlighted poor defensive organisation and a lack of attacking threat against higher-quality opposition.
World Cup form: L-L
Netherlands
The Netherlands, meanwhile, holds the top spot in Group F with four points and a superior goal difference, needing a positive result to secure first place and a favourable knockout path. Ronald Koeman’s side impressed with a ruthless 5-1 win over Sweden after an opening 2-2 draw with Japan, showcasing attacking depth through players like Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey, and Crysencio Summerville. With strong midfield control from Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Tijjani Reijnders, the Oranje are overwhelming favourites and expected to dominate possession and create numerous chances.
The Netherlands head into the clash in strong form, unbeaten in their last competitive outings and riding high after a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden that followed a competitive 2-2 draw with Japan. Recent results show attacking fluency with multiple goal scorers, though they had mixed friendlies (wins over Norway and Uzbekistan, a draw with Ecuador, and a loss to Algeria). Under Koeman
World Cup form: D-W
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Tunisia vs Netherlands: Team News and Injury Updates
Tunisia
Tunisia’s coach Hervé Renard is likely to field the same 3-4-2-1 formation strategy to try and reduce the danger that comes with attacking players from the Netherlands, although the formation conceded four goals to Japan in their previous game.
Renard might also make some changes in terms of the attacking players, with Ismaël Gharbi replacing Elias Saad in the starting lineup, while Firas Chaouat will be coming in as the central striker instead of Sebastian Tounekti.
The only positive for Tunisia is no injuries have been reported and a fully fit squad available ahead of the match. However, Tunisia continue to face challenges in terms of overall squad depth and quality, especially when compared to the stronger teams remaining in the competition.
Netherlands
Brian Brobbey is expected to continue leading the line for the Netherlands after his impressive two-goal performance against Sweden. Meanwhile, Crysencio Summerville might be included in the starting lineup. The winger has already scored a goal at this tournament, scoring in the opening match against Japan, and may replace Donyell Malen on the right flank.
Apart from that potential change, Ronald Koeman is likely to stick with the side that produced a dominant victory over Sweden. The midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders has been one of the team’s biggest strengths so far and will once again look to dominate Tunisia’s defense setup
While the Netherlands have looked dangerous going forward, their defence has shown some vulnerability. Despite having several top-quality defenders in the squad, the Dutch are still searching for their first clean sheet of the tournament and have now conceded goals in each of their last six matches across all competitions.
Tunisia vs Netherlands Probable starting XI
Tunisia Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper (GK): Aymen Dahmen
Defenders (DF): Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi, Omar Rekik
Midfielders (MF): Yanis Valery, Anis Ben Slimane, Ellyes Skhiri, Ali Abdi, Mohamed Gharbi, Hannibal Mejbri
Forward / Attacker (FW): Hazem Chaouat
Netherlands Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper (GK): Bart Verbruggen
Defenders (DF): Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven
Midfielders (MF): Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders
Forwards / Attackers (FW): Crysencio Summerville, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo
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