Netherlands want a big win: Tunisia-Netherlands XIs

In the final Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands face a Tunisia bowing out of the tournament at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Netherlands, who collected 4 points from their matches with Japan and Sweden and have largely secured the last 32, are after a big win in this game to finish top of the group and find an easier opponent on paper in the next round.

For the Netherlands to finish top of the group, winning alone is not enough; they also have to better Japan's result against Sweden. Between the two teams, level on head-to-head after the opening draw, overall goal difference could decide the group winner. So Ronald Koeman's side know well the importance of a high-scoring win against a Tunisia that is eliminated and has nothing but pride to lose on the pitch.

For Tunisia, the tournament has been a complete disappointment. After losing their opening game to Sweden, Herve Renard replaced Sabri Lamouchi; but even the managerial change was not enough to stem the tide. Renard is likely to insist on a 3-4-2-1 shape to nullify an awesome Dutch attack. Up front, Ismael Gharbi is expected to replace Elias Saad, and Firas Chaouat to come in for Sebastian Tounekti as the sole striker. Although Renard has no injury issues, a lack of quality and depth in his squad stands out.

For the Netherlands, the side that thrashed Sweden 5-1 is expected to be largely kept. Brian Brobbey, who scored twice in that game, is expected to keep his place at centre forward, while Crysencio Summerville's effective impact off the bench could see him move ahead of Donyell Malen on the right wing. The star midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders is key to breaking down Tunisia's low block. Despite a defence brimming with talent, the Netherlands are yet to keep a clean sheet at the tournament and have conceded in each of their last six games.

Likely XIs
Tunisia (3-4-2-1): Dahmen; Bronn, Talbi, Rekik; Valery, Slimane, Skhiri, Abdi; Gharbi, Hannibal; Chaouat
Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo

Image: Sports Illustrated