World Cup 2026 Group F: Netherlands, Japan & Sweden

Group F at the 2026 World Cup promises European pedigree, Japanese precision, and two of the most feared strikers in the world. Netherlands, runners-up in 2010, headline a group that also features the discipline of Japan — the first nation to qualify for the tournament — a Sweden side riding the firepower of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, and a Tunisia dreaming of reaching the knockout rounds for the very first time. The action kicks off on June 14, with Netherlands against Japan in Arlington and Sweden facing Tunisia in Monterrey. Here is your complete guide: squads, schedule, key players, and predictions.

The Four Teams in Group F

• Netherlands (UEFA): 2010 runners-up and clear group favourites.
• Japan (AFC): the first side to qualify for the World Cup, second favourites.
• Sweden (UEFA): back at a World Cup after eight years, with Isak and Gyökeres.
• Tunisia (CAF): the Eagles of Carthage, at their third consecutive World Cup.

The Schedule: Three June Matchdays

Group F is spread across three venues in the United States and one in Mexico, between June 14 and 25:

• Matchday 1 — June 14: Netherlands vs Japan in Arlington (AT&T Stadium) and Sweden vs Tunisia in Monterrey (Estadio BBVA).
• Matchday 2 — June 20: Netherlands vs Sweden in Houston (NRG Stadium) and Tunisia vs Japan in Monterrey (Estadio BBVA).
• Matchday 3 — June 25: Japan vs Sweden in Arlington (AT&T Stadium) and Tunisia vs Netherlands in Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium).

Netherlands: the Oranje Ready to Make Their Move

Netherlands arrive as the group's heavy favourites and genuine contenders to go deep in the tournament. Ronald Koeman's Oranje are built around captain Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) and blend class with quality throughout: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) pulling the strings in midfield, Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City) providing drive, Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) dangerous on the flanks, and all-time top scorer Memphis Depay leading the line. The major absence is Xavi Simons, who is missing the tournament after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April. Opta projects them to top the group in nearly half of all simulations (48.2%) and gives them an 88.2% chance of advancing — the round of 16 is very much the minimum target.

Japan: the World Cup 2026 Trailblazers

Japan were the first nation in the world to secure their place at this tournament, booking their ticket in March 2025, and they arrive bearing the hallmark organisation of Hajime Moriyasu, the longest-serving manager in their national team history. The Samurai Blue head into the tournament with two significant absences: captain Wataru Endo (Liverpool) withdrew through injury just three days before their opener, and Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), their most dangerous attacking threat, also failed to make the cut. The baton passes to Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), and striker Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), while veteran Yuto Nagatomo will make history as the first Asian player to appear at five World Cups. Opta gives Japan a 76.2% chance of advancing and identifies them as the most likely challengers for second place.

Sweden: Back with Isak and Gyökeres

Sweden return to the World Cup after eight years away, and they did it the hard way: a dismal group-stage campaign — just two points — forced them into the Nations League play-offs, which they navigated with wins over Ukraine and Poland. Their great weapon is a fearsome attack marshalled by Graham Potter: Alexander Isak (Liverpool) and Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), scorer of the last-gasp goal against Poland that clinched qualification, form one of the most expensive striking partnerships at the tournament, with Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham) operating in behind. Opta gives them a 62.6% chance of going through — if the goals come, the Swedes can fight for that second spot.

Tunisia: the Eagles of Carthage

Tunisia are at their third consecutive World Cup and seventh overall, having swept through African qualifying: 28 points from a possible 30, with ten clean sheets in CAF Group H. They are managed by Sabri Lamouchi, who took charge in January 2026 with one ambition above all others: to get past the group stage for the first time in their history — something Tunisia have never managed in six previous attempts. The team is organised around captain Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt), the most-capped player in the country's history, with energy supplied by Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley) and Elias Achouri (Copenhagen). Opta gives them a 43.4% chance of advancing, the lowest in the group, but their defensive solidity makes them an awkward opponent for anyone.

Favourites and Predictions

The picture at the top is clear; below it, everything is up for grabs. Netherlands (88.2%) are the dominant force and are projected to win the group in nearly half of all simulations; Japan (76.2%) look the most likely runners-up, with Sweden (62.6%) breathing down their necks thanks to their attacking firepower. Tunisia (43.4%) are the outsiders, protected by their defensive solidity. The Netherlands-Japan opener and the June 25 finale between Japan and Sweden could well be the decisive clashes in the group.

"Group F blends the pedigree of a World Cup finalist, the tournament's Asian trailblazer, two generational strikers, and the African pride of Tunisia. There is a clear favourite — but plenty of room for surprises."

Simulate World Cup 2026 Group F

The tournament is already under way, but at Fut Simulator Pro you can play out Group F on your own terms. Simulate all six matches — Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia — play through all three matchdays, and find out whether the Oranje live up to their billing or whether Sweden, Japan, or Tunisia pull off the upset.

• Simulate all 6 Group F matches and build the final standings
• Find out whether Netherlands claim the group in style
• Discover whether Japan or Sweden take the second spot
• Take your team all the way through the 2026 World Cup to the final

"A World Cup finalist, the tournament's first qualifiers, and a generational Swedish strike partnership. Group F at the 2026 World Cup has its cast — in the simulator, you write the ending."