Netherlands thrash Sweden, Germany snatch victory over Côte d’Ivoire at World Cup 2026

Two important group-stage matches took place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Netherlands claimed a convincing win over Sweden, while Germany, thanks to Deniz Undav’s brace, came from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire and secure a place in the knockout stage.

Netherlands score five against Sweden and move top of the group

The Netherlands earned a confident victory over Sweden in Group F. The match in Houston ended 5-1.

The main heroes of the game were Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, who both scored twice. Brobbey opened the scoring as early as the 5th minute after an assist from Gakpo, and in the 17th minute the forward turned in a cross from Denzel Dumfries to make it 2-0.

Sweden tried to get back into the game and even found the net through Gustaf Lagerbielke, but the goal was ruled out for offside. After the break, the Netherlands quickly ended any doubts over the result. Gakpo scored in the 47th and 54th minutes, first from close range and then with a strike from outside the penalty area.

Sweden responded through Anthony Elanga in the 59th minute, but Crysencio Summerville sealed the final score late on — 5-1.

After this win, the Netherlands moved to the top of Group F, one point ahead of Sweden. Graham Potter’s side dropped to second place ahead of the Japan — Tunisia match.

Undav gives Germany comeback win and sends them into the knockouts

Germany defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 and advanced to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The victory was secured by Deniz Undav, who came off the bench in the second half and scored twice.

Côte d’Ivoire opened the scoring in the 30th minute. After Yan Diomande’s run and low cross into the box, the ball reached Amad Diallo. His shot was blocked, but Franck Kessie reacted first to the rebound and made it 1-0.

Germany had also created chances before that. Kai Havertz fired over the bar after a knockdown, and later failed to beat Yahia Fofana after a cross from Joshua Kimmich. Germany even scored from a corner, but Aleksandar Pavlovic’s goal was disallowed for a foul.

In the second half, Julian Nagelsmann strengthened his team with substitutions. Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav came on in the 60th minute, and just eight minutes later the change paid off. Amiri delivered a precise cross, and Undav headed in the equalizer.

Côte d’Ivoire could have taken the lead again when Simon Adingra received the ball in the box after an attack involving Nicolas Pepe and Evann Guessand, but the chance was wasted.

The decisive moment came in the 90+4th minute. Lukas Nmecha played the ball into the box, Undav turned and finished accurately to give Germany a 2-1 victory.

For the footballer with Yazidi roots, this was already his third goal at the 2026 World Cup. Undav also has 2 assists in the tournament.

Germany have guaranteed their place in the knockout stage, at least as one of the best third-placed teams. The team will now wait for the result of Curaçao — Ecuador to see whether it can finish the group stage in first place.