Brazil vs Netherlands: World Cup head-to-head record
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Brazil and Netherlands have met 5 times in World Cup history from 1974-2014, with the Netherlands holding a surprising 3-1-1 advantage over the five-time champions. The Dutch have won three matches, Brazil one, with one draw that Brazil won on penalties.
This head-to-head record spans 40 years of World Cup football, featuring memorable encounters in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the third-place playoff, with the Netherlands consistently proving a difficult opponent for the Seleção on the biggest stage.
The rivalry between Brazil and Netherlands at the World Cup tells the story of Dutch resilience against Brazilian flair. Despite Brazil's status as the tournament's most successful nation, the Oranje have consistently risen to the occasion in their five encounters, creating some of the most memorable matches in World Cup history.
Complete Match Record
| Year | Stage | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Matchday 6 | Netherlands win | 2-0 |
| 1994 | Quarter-finals | Brazil win | 3-2 |
| 1998 | Semi-finals | Draw (Brazil win on pens) | 1-1 (4-2 pens) |
| 2010 | Quarter-finals | Netherlands win | 2-1 |
| 2014 | Third place playoff | Netherlands win | 3-0 |
The most significant victories came at opposite ends of this timeline - the Netherlands' 2-0 win in 1974 helped establish their Total Football philosophy, while their 3-0 demolition of Brazil in the 2014 third-place playoff added salt to the hosts' wounds after their semi-final humiliation. Fans tracking the 2026 World Cup can follow live scores and build brackets at Bola 2026 when these teams potentially meet again.
Frequently asked questions
How many times have Brazil and Netherlands played at the World Cup?
Brazil and Netherlands have met 5 times in World Cup history, with all encounters taking place between 1974 and 2014 across various tournament stages.
Who has the better World Cup record between Brazil and Netherlands?
Netherlands leads the World Cup head-to-head record 3-1-1, having won three matches, lost one, and drawn one (which Brazil won on penalties).
When did Brazil last beat Netherlands at a World Cup?
Brazil's last outright victory over Netherlands at a World Cup was in 1994 quarter-finals, winning 3-2. They also advanced past Netherlands on penalties in 1998 after a 1-1 draw.