Tunisia vs Netherlands – Preview, Prediction and Team News

The Netherlands head into their final Group F fixture knowing that ninety more minutes stand between them and top spot. Ronald Koeman’s side take on an already-eliminated Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium on Thursday, aiming to cap an impressive group-stage campaign with another convincing performance.

For Tunisia, the story is very different. Back-to-back heavy defeats have brought a disappointing World Cup campaign to an early end, leaving Hervé Renard with one final opportunity to restore some pride before the Eagles of Carthage head home.

Match Preview

The Netherlands rediscovered their best form when it mattered most. After surrendering two leads in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Japan on Matchday One, Koeman demanded a response—and his players delivered emphatically.

Sweden were swept aside in a ruthless 5-1 victory that reminded everyone why the Dutch arrived in North America among the tournament favourites. Brian Brobbey bullied the Swedish defence with two early goals before Cody Gakpo added a brace of his own. Substitute Crysencio Summerville completed the scoring as the Oranje climbed to the top of Group F.

Beyond the scoreline, it was the manner of the performance that impressed. Frenkie de Jong controlled the tempo in midfield, Tijjani Reijnders dictated possession, and the front three constantly stretched Sweden with intelligent movement.

Another victory would almost certainly secure first place in the group and hand the Dutch a potentially kinder route through the knockout rounds.

Tunisia, meanwhile, have endured a tournament to forget.

Following a crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opener, the Tunisian Football Federation turned to Hervé Renard in the hope that the experienced coach could inspire an immediate turnaround. Instead, the Eagles of Carthage suffered another painful evening, losing 4-0 to Japan without registering a single shot on target.

Those results confirmed Tunisia’s elimination before the final group match and highlighted the enormous gulf between them and the leading nations in Group F.

Renard is expected to encourage his players to attack with greater freedom now that qualification is no longer possible, but facing a Dutch side full of confidence represents another daunting challenge.

History offers little encouragement either. The Netherlands remain unbeaten in three previous meetings with Tunisia and have never lost to an African nation at the FIFA World Cup.

Team News

Tunisia have a fully fit squad available and Renard could abandon the five-man defence used against Japan after another disappointing display. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri is expected to operate behind the forwards, while captain Ellyes Skhiri continues to anchor the midfield.

The Netherlands could welcome Quinten Timber back after he missed the Sweden victory with concussion. Brian Brobbey is expected to lead the attack once again after scoring twice on Matchday Two, although Koeman has Crysencio Summerville pushing for a starting role following his goal off the bench.

Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders are all expected to retain their places in midfield.

Form Guide

Tunisia: L-L-L-L-D-W

Tunisia have lost four consecutive matches and conceded nine goals in their two World Cup outings, highlighting the defensive issues that have plagued their campaign.

Netherlands: W-D-W-D-L-W

The Oranje appear to be finding their rhythm at exactly the right time. Their dominant victory over Sweden extended an encouraging run of performances and reinforced their credentials as genuine title contenders.

Predicted Lineups

Tunisia: Dahmen; Valery, Rekik, Talbi, Ali Abdi; Skhiri; Ben Slimane, Hannibal; Chaouat, Saad, Mastouri.

Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo.

Prediction

With confidence high and first place in the group within touching distance, the Netherlands are unlikely to take their foot off the gas.

Tunisia may produce a more spirited display under Renard, but they have struggled badly against high-quality opposition throughout the tournament. The Dutch possess too much pace, creativity and attacking depth, and if they reproduce the intensity shown against Sweden, another comfortable victory should follow.

We Say

Tunisia 0-3 Netherlands

Kick-off: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 11:00 PM GMT (12:00 AM local)
Venue: Kansas City Stadium
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group F