Tunisia v Netherlands: World Cup 2026 – live
Key events
Team news
Ronald Koeman sticks with a strong side despite the Dutch already having one foot in the knockout stages, while Hervé Renard makes several changes for Tunisia’s final game of the tournament.
Tunisia
XI Dahmen; Valery, Talbi, Abdi, Ben Hmida; Skhiri (c), Khedira; Slimane, Mejbri, Gharbi; Mastouri
Subs Chamakh, Ben Hessen, Rekik, Bronn, Achouri, Saad, Ben Ouanes, Ayari, Hadj Mahmoud, Elloumi, Chaouat, Chikhaoui, Tounekti, Arous, Neffati
Netherlands
XI Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk (c), Aké; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo
Subs Roefs, Flekken, Geertruida, De Roon, Kluivert, Weghorst, Depay, Wieffer, Van de Ven, Til, Lang, Koopmeiners, Summerville, Hato, Timber
Referee Katia García (Mexico)
A quick glance across to Group E, where the knock-on effects are starting to get interesting. Ecuador are closing in on a 2-1 win over Germany, a result that will not be greeted warmly in Scotland, while Côte d’Ivoire are heading for a 2-0 victory over Curaçao.
Preamble
The Netherlands know the equation. Beat Tunisia and they will have done everything they can to secure top spot in Group F. Whether that proves enough depends on events hundreds of miles away in Arlington, where Japan face Sweden in the group’s other decisive fixture.
Both the Dutch and Japan begin the final round level on four points with identical goal differences after drawing 2-2 in their meeting, leaving Group F tightly wound at the top. Ronald Koeman’s side are favorites to finish the job against a Tunisia team already eliminated after heavy defeats to Sweden and Japan, but the Netherlands coach has insisted there will be no distraction from the concurrent match.
“You have to focus on making sure you win the match,” Koeman said. “We would love to be first in the group and of course the result will have an impact on that, but that’s not the most important thing. Playing this game is the most important thing.”
For Tunisia, the objective is rather different. After conceding nine goals in two losses and changing coaches midway through the tournament, pride is all that’s left to play for.
Hervé Renard was brought in following Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal after the 5-1 loss to Sweden, but he could not prevent a 4-0 defeat against Japan that confirmed Tunisia’s exit. Now the veteran Frenchman wants his side to restore some respectability.
“We need to finish this competition as cleanly as possible,” Renard said. “Football requires pride, even when the situation is difficult, and you need to face these situations with dignity all the way to the end.”
The Netherlands arrive with the longest unbeaten run in World Cup history at 14 matches and the chance to extend it. Tunisia arrive seeking a performance that offers their supporters something to remember from an otherwise forgettable campaign.
Kick-off is forthcoming in Kansas City. We’ll be back shortly with the lineups.
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s the briefing from Graham Ruthven’s daily guide on what to know about this Group F matchup:
What to watch for
Tunisia won’t have fond memories of the 2026 World Cup. Already out of the tournament after defeats to Sweden and Japan, the first of which prompted the firing of Sabri Lamouchi and Herve Renard’s hiring in his place, the African outfit have arguably been the worst team in the entire tournament.
Fresh from putting five past Sweden, the Netherlands could be set for another big win. Not always known for their attacking prowess under Ronald Koeman, the Dutch may have found the right balance in the forward line after introducing Brian Brobbey as a focal point in their last match.
Player to watch: Brian Brobbey, Netherlands – The Sunderland striker was too much for Sweden to handle and played an important role in bringing others into the game as well as scoring two goals of his own.
