HOUSTON – The Netherlands etched their name in the history books on Saturday, shattering a 60-year-old record by securing their 14th consecutive match without a loss in World Cup competition. The milestone was achieved in emphatic fashion with a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden in their Group F clash.

The previous record of 13 unbeaten matches was held by Brazil, a feat accomplished by the legendary squad led by Pelé between 1958 and 1966. That legendary run included two World Cup titles and ended in the 1966 tournament.

The last time the Dutch tasted defeat on the world’s biggest stage was in the 2010 final, where they fell to Spain in extra time . Since that heartbreaking loss, Ronald Koeman’s squad has navigated the 2014 and 2022 tournaments without a single regulation or extra-time loss, with their only eliminations coming via penalty shootouts .

The record-breaking victory in Houston was a statement of intent from the Dutch. Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey opened the scoring in the sixth minute and added a second just 11 minutes later, putting Sweden on the back foot early . Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo then took control, scoring twice in the opening nine minutes of the second half to extend the lead to 4-0 .

Sweden did manage a consolation goal when substitute Anthony Elanga scored in the 59th minute. However, the Dutch had the final word when Crysencio Summerville fired home in the 89th minute, sealing a resounding victory and a historic achievement .

This current unbeaten streak for the Netherlands now stands at 14 matches, featuring nine wins and five draws . The run includes matches where they were eliminated on penalties, as FIFA officially records those outcomes as draws. Their opponents in those shootout losses were Argentina on two occasions, once in the 2014 semifinals and again in the 2022 quarterfinals .

The win against Sweden also puts the Netherlands in a commanding position in Group F. With four points from two matches, they sit atop the standings, having recovered from an initial 2-2 draw with Japan.

Sweden, who entered the match after a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, remain in second place with three points. The result nearly assures the Dutch of a spot in the knockout stage of the expanded 48-team tournament, where the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place finishers advance . The victory also sets up a fascinating final round of group-stage matches as both nations look to secure their passage.