Netherlands bag new World Cup unbeaten record

The Netherlands set a new World Cup unbeaten record after defeating Sweden 5-1 in a Group F match at Houston Stadium on Saturday.

The Dutch team have now become the first team to go 14 consecutive World Cup matches unbeaten, the longest streak by any team.

The Netherlands tasted defeat last time in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against Spain. Since then have played 14 matches, winning or drawing all of them. (Penalty shootout results are counted as draws in official records.)
The previous record, which Ronald Koeman’s side equalled in their World Cup 2026 opener with a 2-2 draw against Japan, was held by Brazil with 13 matches between 1958 and 1966.

The Netherlands dominated the Swedish side as Brian Brobbey scored a quick brace, which put the Dutch 2-0 up at halftime before Cody Gakpo scored twice to extend the lead in the second half.

Anthony Elanga pulled one back in the 59th minute, but any hopes of a comeback quickly faded.

Crysencio Summerville added a fifth for the Netherlands in the 89th minute, while five minutes of stoppage time did little to change the outcome.

Earlier, Sweden found it difficult to cope with the Dutch intensity. Brobbey completed his brace in the 17th minute after a well-worked move involving Gakpo, as the Netherlands maintained control.

The visitors briefly steadied themselves after the hydration break but remained under sustained pressure. Yasin Ayari later wasted a good opportunity when he failed to control a promising pass, while Gustaf Lagerbielke had a header ruled out for offside in the 44th minute.

Sweden’s best chance of the first half came in stoppage time when Viktor Gyokeres was denied by a fine diving save from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, preserving the Netherlands’ advantage at the interval.