World Cup 2026: Tunisia Opt for 4-2-3-1 Against Netherlands’ 4-3-3

Tunisia line up in a 4-2-3-1 against the Netherlands' 4-3-3 for their 2026 World Cup Group F meeting at Arrowhead Stadium.

Henry DONCHE

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On 25 Jun 2026 at 23:35 Updated 25 Jun 2026

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Tunisia and the Netherlands face each other on June 26, 2026, at midnight GMT+1 at Arrowhead Stadium in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. This Group F match brings together two teams with contrasting momentum. Tunisia, beaten twice in their opening matches and seeking a first win, take on a Netherlands side that remains unbeaten after two games, including a convincing victory over Sweden (5-1).

Tunisia head coach Hervé Renard deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation built around goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen. The back four consists of Y. Valery, M. Talbi, A. Abdi and A. Ben Hmida. In midfield, Skhiri and Khedira occupy the double pivot, while the attacking line relies on Ben Slimane, Mejbri and Gharbi supporting striker H. Mastouri. This setup aims to balance protection and creativity in midfield.

On the other side, the Netherlands line up in a classic 4-3-3 under R. Koeman, with B. Verbruggen in goal. The defence brings together Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk and Aké. The midfield combines Gravenberch, de Jong and Reijnders, creating a link between the defence and an attack made up of Malen, Brobbey and Gakpo. This system favours possession and attacking pressure.

This tactical duel will therefore pit Tunisia’s organised solidity against the attacking momentum of a well-drilled Dutch side. Each team will field key players as they look to gain the upper hand in a group where the competition is intensifying.

Tunisia lineup breakdown

Head coach Hervé Renard is relying on a well-structured 4-2-3-1. Goalkeeper A. Dahmen will be the last line of defence. The four-man back line combines experience and versatility, with Y. Valery at right-back, M. Talbi and A. Abdi in central defence, supported by A. Ben Hmida.

In midfield, the defensive duo of E. Skhiri and R. Khedira will be tasked with stabilising the engine room. Moving into attack, A. Ben Slimane, H. Mejbri and Ismaël Gharbi handle the creative work, with H. Mastouri up front, assigned to exploit spaces and finish Tunisia’s moves.

Tunisia hope to lean on this balance between defence and creativity to improve their performances after two opening defeats in the group.

Netherlands lineup breakdown

The Netherlands opt for a fluid 4-3-3 led by R. Koeman. The centre-back pairing features V. van Dijk, a player of international stature, alongside J. van Hecke, while D. Dumfries and N. Aké occupy the flanks.

The midfield trio offers a mixed structure, with R. Gravenberch and F. de Jong charged with winning the ball and building play, while T. Reijnders provides mobility and creativity. This midfield supports a sharp attack featuring D. Malen, B. Brobbey and C. Gakpo, who have produced notable attacking performances in previous matches.

This lineup aims to maintain attacking pressure and control the tempo of the match in order to strengthen their hold on first place in the group and move closer to qualification.

Starting XIs

Tunisia

Formation4-2-3-1Head coachHervé Renard

Starters11

16 A. Dahmen Goalkeeper
20 Y. Valery Defender
3 M. Talbi Defender
2 A. Abdi Defender
21 A. Ben Hmida Defender
17 E. Skhiri Midfielder
13 R. Khedira Midfielder
25 A. Ben Slimane Midfielder
10 H. Mejbri Midfielder
11 Ismaël Gharbi Midfielder
9 H. Mastouri Forward

Substitutes13

22 S. Ben Hsan
6 D. Bronn
12 M. Ben Ouanes
19 F. Chaouat
4 O. Rekik
7 E. Achouri
26 S. Tounekti
15 H. Mahmoud
1 C. Abdelmouhib
8 E. Saad
24 R. Chikhaoui
14 K. Ayari
18 R. Elloumi

Netherlands

Formation4-3-3Head coachR. Koeman

Starters11

1 B. Verbruggen Goalkeeper
22 D. Dumfries Defender
6 J. van Hecke Defender
4 V. van Dijk Defender
5 N. Aké Defender
8 R. Gravenberch Midfielder
21 F. de Jong Midfielder
14 T. Reijnders Midfielder
18 D. Malen Forward
19 B. Brobbey Forward
11 C. Gakpo Forward

Substitutes15

25 J. Hato
13 R. Roefs
15 M. van de Ven
26 Q. Timber
12 M. Wieffer
24 C. Summerville
17 N. Lang
2 L. Geertruida
7 J. Kluivert
16 G. Til
20 T. Koopmeiners
9 W. Weghorst
23 M. Flekken
10 M. Depay
3 M. de Roon

Tunisia

Upcoming 00:00 Arrowhead Stadium

Netherlands

26/06/2026 00:00 Group F

Fil du match

Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.

Group F schedule

View full schedule

Group F

Team	J	G	N	P	BP	BC	Diff	Pts
Netherlands	2	1	1	0	7	3	4	4
Japan	2	1	1	0	6	2	4	4
Sweden	2	1	0	1	6	6	0	3
Tunisia	2	0	0	2	1	9	-8	0