The Netherlands were in complete control from the first whistle at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, deploying a fluid 4-3-3 that suffocated Tunisia's compact 4-4-2 defensive shape. Frenkie de Jong orchestrated from deep with metronomic precision, while Dumfries and Hato provided relentless width. Tunisia's plan to sit deep and hit on the counter was undone early: Gakpo peeled off Talbi at the back post on 18 minutes to nod home a De Jong lofted through-ball, and the Tunisians never truly recovered. In the second half, Reijnders — one of the tournament's breakout stars — burst late into the box to meet a low Dumfries cutback and doubled the lead. Malen, introduced from the bench, put the gloss on a professional performance with a composed finish after Gakpo's incisive run split the defence. Skhiri was Tunisia's lone bright spark, winning duels and driving forward, but he was ultimately a general without an army. The Dutch march on in Group F with maximum points and a goal difference that sends a warning to the rest of the tournament.

• Netherlands averaged 67% possession and completed 88% of passes — a dominant territorial display.
• Cody Gakpo registered a goal and an assist, continuing his exceptional World Cup form.
• Tunisia managed just 2 shots on target all game; Verbruggen was barely tested.
• Dumfries covered 11.8 km and provided the assist for Reijnders' crucial second goal.
• Netherlands' xG of 3.1 reflects the sheer volume and quality of chances created.
• Tunisia's low defensive block held for 18 minutes before the Dutch quality broke through.