Tunisia vs Netherlands Predicted Lineups & Team News

It has been a disastrous World Cup for Tunisia, who have been eliminated after just two matches, and they will struggle to head home on a positive note when facing Group F leaders the Netherlands at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Thursday (6pm local/Friday 12am BST, BBC One)

Which players will the managers pick though? Let’s investigate with the Tunisia vs Netherlands team news, key players and predicted lineups.

Tunisia

This World Cup could have hardly gone any worse for Tunisia and, after an opening 5-1 defeat to Sweden, the decision was made to sack head coach Sabri Lamouchi and appoint Herve Renard.

It was hoped a change in the dugout would bring an upturn in results, but the Eagles of Carthage were thumped 4-0 by Japan to leave them bottom of Group F and eliminated from the tournament.

Renard has already confirmed he will be leaving his post after this final match and there is a real lack of direction for Tunisia, who will now be looking for another coach to lead them forward.

In terms of selection for the contest in Kansas City, Renard may decide to switch from the 3-4-2-1 formation which has evidently not worked and change to a 4-3-3.

Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane and Hannibal Mejbri could form a midfield three, while Firas Chaouat, Elias Saad and Hazem Mastouri may get the chance to shine in attack.

Netherlands

The Netherlands are anything but boring to watch and, after a 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening match, they were ruthless in the 5-1 victory over Sweden to send them top of the section on goals scored.

With Ronald Koeman's side level on four points with second-placed Japan and one point ahead of Sweden in third, there is still plenty riding on this encounter at the Arrowhead Stadium and an attacking show is anticipated.

There are some selection concerns for the Dutch, who were without Quinten Timber for the win over Sweden due to concussion and he will need to be assessed, as will Crysencio Summerville, who suffered a head injury in that match.

Frenkie de Jong admitted after the win over Sweden that he is still feeling some pain in his knee and he could drop to the bench in an attempt to limit his exposure.

Brian Brobbey scored a brace against the Swedes and should retain his place in the starting XI, with Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen expected to flank either side of him.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Tunisia vs Netherlands Odds over on betfred.com

Tunisia vs Netherlands Key Players:

Anis Ben Slimane (Tunisia)

No Tunisia player has covered themselves in glory at the World Cup, but there is still quality in this squad and Anis Ben Slimane will be hoping to put in a strong performance in the finale.

The 25-year-old registered five goals and two assists for Norwich City in the 2025/26 Championship season and he has the ability to unlock the Netherlands' defence, which has failed to keep a clean sheet in six matches.

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Gakpo was excellent for the Netherlands in the win over Sweden, registering an assist and two goals, and he will be crucial in helping his side go deep in the tournament.

The Liverpool forward has five goal involvements in his last four appearances for his country and he could feast on a Tunisia defence that has conceded nine times at the World Cup.

Brian Brobbey also starred against the Swedes with a brace and his physicality gives the Netherlands a focal point up front, allowing the likes of Gakpo and Malen to have a bigger influence.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com