2026 FIFA World Cup — Group F, Matchday 2 | June 21 | Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — In the 23rd minute, Cody Gakpo picked up the ball on the left flank. He looked up, saw Denzel Dumfries making a run, and delivered a cross that arced perfectly into the right-back’s path. Dumfries did not break stride. He swept the ball home first time. 1-0.

In the 56th minute, Gakpo had the ball again. This time he decided to do it himself. He received Frenkie de Jong’s pass outside the box, took one touch to set himself, and fired a low drive towards the far corner. Robin Olsen got a hand to it. The ball was too fast. 2-0.

In the 78th minute, Sweden pulled one back. Alexander Isak collected a pass in the box, turned, and shot. The ball took a deflection off Virgil van Dijk’s leg and looped past the goalkeeper. 2-1.

For the final 12 minutes, Sweden threw everything forward. Isak’s header drifted wide. Dejan Kulusevski’s long-range effort was tipped over. But the Netherlands held on. The final whistle blew. The Oranje players embraced. Two wins from two. Through to the round of 32.

Gakpo: The Netherlands’ New Leader

Cody Gakpo announced himself to the world at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three goals in a breakthrough tournament. Four years later, he is no longer the promising youngster. He is the heart of this Dutch team.

One goal. One assist. Every touch from Gakpo on the left flank sent panic through the Swedish defence. His crosses were precise. His shooting was decisive. His movement dragged defenders into positions they did not want to be in. He is not the kind of leader who shouts. He speaks with his feet — exactly as he did in this match.

Gakpo now plays for Liverpool, and the Premier League has made him a more complete player. He is no longer just a winger who cuts inside and shoots. He is a versatile attacker who can create, finish, and orchestrate. The Netherlands have found their new talisman.

Sweden: Fought Hard, But Not Enough

Sweden lost their opener to Tunisia. Another defeat would have left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. They fought — Isak ran tirelessly up front, Kulusevski caused problems on the right, Albin Ekdal covered every blade of grass in midfield.

But the Netherlands’ defence — marshalled by Van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt — was a wall. Sweden had 14 shots but only four on target. Isak’s goal came from a deflection, a stroke of luck. Beyond that, genuine chances were scarce.

Sweden face Japan in their final group match. They must win. Isak needs to score. Kulusevski needs to create. The whole team needs a perfect performance.

Group F Standings

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Netherlands 2 2 0 0 4 1 +3 6
2 Tunisia 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
3 Japan 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
4 Sweden 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1

Match Details:

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