- Recent form: Netherlands have won two, drawn two and lost one in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Recent results: Tunisia have lost three consecutive games and been heavily beaten by Sweden in that run.
- Scoring form: Netherlands have scored in each of their last three matches.
Oranje in good shape to make it two from two
Netherlands sit above Tunisia on one point from one match in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, with the North Africans on zero after a 5-1 battering by Sweden, the Oranje will feel confident of making it there at Kansas City Stadium on Thursday. Tunisia, who have conceded ten goals in their last two away matches, have not shown enough to justify a favorable outcome in this clash.
The Eagles of Carthage, newly managed by France legend Hervé Renard, have been more predictable of late, sitting deep and seeking to counter-attack from a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Renard, a pragmatic coach who prefers a defense-first approach, will have to improve a leaky backline after three defeats in a row.
Dutch dominance should be the key to victory
Tactical outlook
The Netherlands are a flexible side who operate best when allowed to control possession and play their game, which has seen Ronald Koeman's men move towards a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system with an emphasis on high pressing and quick, vertical play. The Dutch can dominate the ball or set up shop and play a high tempo game, which suits their players.
Match odds
Tunisia will look to sit back and frustrate, before pouncing on the counter and hoping to cause problems from set pieces, but their away form is so worrying it is hard to go against the odds-on Dutch side at 1.32. The odds on both teams to score is more attractive at 2.04, but the Netherlands' attacking prowess makes us doubt the Eagles can score here.
Rekik not enough to deny Oranje
Key players
- Omar Rekik is Tunisia's chief goal threat in the final third and the Napoli defender opened his World Cup account against Sweden last time out, but it was his only contribution in an otherwise dismal performance.
- Hannibal Mejbri has one assist in the World Cup and his creativity will be vital from midfield.
- Crysencio Summerville scored a goal in Netherlands' opening match against Japan and the Feyenoord marksman looks set to spearhead the attack once more.
- Virgil van Dijk has scored two in the last five and is a good shout in the anytime goal scorer market after providing an aerial threat from set-pieces in the early stages of the tournament.
Odds and conclusion
The Netherlands are strong favourites here at 1.32 and Tunisia will be long shots at 8.0 with the draw a distant second at 5.2. Renard could spring a surprise with his pragmatic, defense-first approach and the group stage is a funny old thing, but the structure and firepower the Netherlands possess should be enough to get the job done.
