The Netherlands head to Kansas City Stadium on Friday night knowing a win seals their place in the World Cup round of 32 and keeps alive their bid to top Group F.
Ronald Koeman’s side sit first in the standings on four points, but their hold on top spot is tenuous. Japan match them exactly on points, goal difference and head-to-head record — only goals scored separates the two sides, with the Dutch ahead on seven to Japan’s six.
A win over Tunisia, combined with Sweden beating Japan at the same time, gives the Netherlands first place outright. Should Japan also win, Koeman’s men must better the margin of the Japanese result to clinch the group.
Tunisia, on zero points after two heavy defeats, are already eliminated. Their only remaining motivation in Kansas City is to end the tournament with something resembling dignity.
Tunisia vs Netherlands – Match preview and team news
- Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
- Kick-off: 00:00 BST
- Venue: Kansas City Stadium
- Referee: Katia Itzel García (Mexico)
- Last meeting: Tunisia 1–1 Netherlands, 11 February 2009, friendly
Tunisia team news
Renard has no injury concerns and a full squad available, though squad depth remains thin. He is expected to retain the 3-4-2-1 shape from the Japan match, with Hannibal Mejbri and Elias Saad operating in the advanced midfield positions and Sebastian Tounekti leading the line. Ellyes Skhiri anchors the middle, with Yan Valery and Ali Abdi as the wing-backs. Avoiding another heavy defeat is the only realistic objective.
Netherlands team news
Koeman has more nuanced selection calls than the group position suggests. Brian Brobbey was outstanding against Sweden, but he is carrying a hamstring knock, and his fitness remains uncertain. Crysencio Summerville also requires assessment after sustaining a head injury in that match, while Frenkie de Jong is managing a minor knee complaint. Quinten Timber, absent against Sweden through concussion, returns to contention. The defensive unit is unchanged.
Form
Tunisia
Two matches, nine goals conceded, none scored, and a managerial sacking — Tunisia’s group stage has been one of the most turbulent in recent World Cup memory. Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed within 24 hours of the 5–1 defeat to Sweden, and Renard’s appointment brought no immediate improvement. Japan won 4–0 in his debut, with Tunisia registering just 0.05 xG and failing to register a single shot on target. They risk becoming the first side to concede four or more goals in three successive World Cup matches.
Netherlands
The Dutch have shown two contrasting faces at this tournament. A 2–2 draw with Japan — surrendering the lead twice and conceding in the 89th minute — raised doubts; the 5–1 demolition of Sweden erased most of them. Brobbey’s brace gave Koeman a clear attacking blueprint, with Gakpo adding two more as the Dutch extended their World Cup unbeaten run to a record 14 matches. They are yet to keep a clean sheet in 2026, however, and have conceded in each of their last six internationals.
Predicted lineups
Tunisia predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Dahmen; Bronn, Talbi, Rekik; Valery, Slimane, Skhiri, Abdi; Saad, Hannibal; Tounekti
Netherlands predicted XI (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo
How to watch Tunisia vs Netherlands?
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website.
Read more – Iconic Performances: Fabio ‘The Berlin Wall’ Cannavaro in the 2006 World Cup semi-final
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