Netherlands XI against eliminated Tunisia: line-ups out

In the final Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands and Tunisia face off at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and the starting XIs for both teams have been announced. For the Netherlands, level on goal difference with Japan but top of the group on goals scored, this match offers a chance to finish top of the group and find an easier opponent on paper in the next round. Tunisia, eliminated after two heavy defeats, will be on the pitch only for pride.

For the Netherlands, head coach Ronald Koeman largely stuck with the side that thrashed Sweden 5-1. Brian Brobbey, who scored twice in that game, is expected to keep his place at centre forward, with Cody Gakpo lining up on the left wing. The star midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders is of critical importance to breaking down Tunisia's low defensive block. Despite a defence brimming with talent, the Netherlands are yet to keep a clean sheet at the tournament and have conceded consistently in their recent games.

For Tunisia, the tournament has been a complete disappointment. After losing 5-1 to Sweden in the first match and 4-0 to Japan in the second, Tunisia replaced Sabri Lamouchi with Herve Renard following the opening game. But even the managerial change was not enough to stem the tide. The experienced French coach Renard is expected to set up with a disciplined defensive shape to nullify a strong Dutch attack. Captain Ellyes Skhiri is the midfield anchor, while creativity is expected from Hannibal Mejbri's energy.

The two teams' form is a complete contrast. The Netherlands, after a 2-2 draw with Japan in the opener, showed they are one of the tournament's favourites by comfortably beating Sweden. The right wing in particular, where Denzel Dumfries operates, creates constant danger with his understanding with Gakpo. Tunisia, meanwhile, could not find their usual defensive discipline on the pitch in the first two games and conceded 9 goals in total. Although Renard has no injury issues, a lack of quality and depth in his squad makes his task difficult against a strong Netherlands.

Starting XIs
Tunisia (4-2-3-1): Dahmen; Abdi, Talbi, Valery, Rekik; Khedira, Ben Slimane; Mejbri, Saad, Ayari; Mastouri
Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Reijnders, Gravenberch, De Jong; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo

Image: Khel Now