Group F at the 2026 World Cup looks set to be one of the more competitive groups of this summer’s tournament, which will take place across Canada, Mexico and the USA.
The Netherlands enter the competition as the clear favourites. However, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia all have the quality to cause an upset. As a result, World Cup Group F could produce several surprise results.
Each team brings a unique style of play and plenty of international experience. Therefore, there is very little margin for error in what promises to be a series of tightly contested group-stage matches.
Who is in World Cup Group F?
World Cup Group F features the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. All four nations will believe they have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.
The Netherlands arrive as favourites after another impressive qualifying campaign. They are expected to top the group thanks to their blend of elite-level experience, defensive stability and attacking quality.
However, they are unlikely to have things all their own way. In fact, this could prove to be one of the most challenging groups in the tournament.
Japan continue to impress on the international stage. Over the past few years, they have built a reputation as one of the most organised and technically gifted teams outside Europe and South America.
Meanwhile, Sweden bring physicality, discipline and major tournament experience. These qualities make them a difficult opponent for any side in Group F.
Tunisia may be viewed as outsiders, but they have consistently shown they can frustrate stronger teams. They famously defeated France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and will look to capitalise on any mistakes made by the group favourites.
With contrasting styles and little separating the four teams, Group F could become one of the most entertaining and unpredictable groups at the 2026 World Cup.
What are the latest Group F odds?
Odds via 10bet and correct at time of writing.
Netherlands: 8/11 (1.727)
Japan: 57/20 (3.85)
Sweden: 9/2 (5.50)
Tunisia: 7/1 (8.00)
What are the Group F fixtures?
- June 14: Netherlands vs Japan, Dallas Stadium
- June 15: Sweden vs Tunisia, Monterrey Stadium
- June 20: Netherlands vs Sweden, Houston Stadium
- June 21: Tunisia vs Japan, Monterrey Stadium
- June 26: Japan vs Sweden, Dallas Stadium
- June 26: Tunisia vs Netherlands, Kansas City Stadium
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Who are the key players in Group F?
Netherlands: Virgil Van Dijk
The Netherlands boast one of the strongest squads in Group F, so picking one player is a tough decision.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is expected to play a major role both defensively and as captain. With a wealth of experience, Van Dijk could be the difference between Ronald Koeman’s side dominating the group or battling to make it to the knockouts.
Japan: Waturo Endo
This would have been Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, but he was left out of the squad due to a hamstring Injury.
So that means it’s yet another Liverpool player and the nation’s captain – Waturo Endo.
Endo’s work rate in midfield will prove pivotal in those tightly contested group games, and similar to Van Dijk, his experience and leadership will help steady the ship and keep his team organised.
Sweden: Viktor Gyokores
Whilst the Arsenal striker took some criticism for his club this season, the forward was instrumental for Sweden in their qualifying campaign.
He scored a hat-trick against Ukraine in their semi-final before netting a late winner against Poland in the final to book Sweden’s place in Group F.
If Sweden are to compete in the group, they will need to take their chances against the likes of Japan and the Netherlands, who will be hard to break down.
That’s where Gyokores comes in.
Tunisia: Hannibal Mejbri
For Tunisia, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is expected to be one of their standout players heading into the tournament. Still only in his early twenties, Hannibal already has 43 international caps.
He will be relied upon to provide energy, creativity and composure in midfield against some of the world’s top sides.
What are the best bets for Group F?
Netherlands to win all three group games
The Netherlands are the favourites to win the group, and for good reason, their overall squad depth is much superior to the other three teams in the group.
Picking them to win the group outright doesn’t offer a great price on its own, so back them to win all three of their group games.
Japan to qualify for knockouts
It will be tight between Japan and Sweden for who joins the Netherlands in qualifying for the knockout rounds of the tournament. There is decent value in both sides, but back Japan to get it done.
They have proven tournament experience and are typically a very tactically adept side. They have also proven hard to beat in tournament football in the past.
Sweden to qualify for the knockouts
You might be thinking, “How can three teams qualify?” Well, as is the new format of this year’s tournament, eight of the best third-placed teams will also make it through to the new round of 32.
Meaning if Sweden can beat Tunisia and pick up a point elsewhere, they will be in great shape to make it past the group stages.
Who will qualify from World Cup Group F?
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Sweden
- Tunisia
For me, the Netherlands squad has a great balance of experience, youth and most importantly, talent. If they turn up, they are capable of making it deep into the tournament and remind people what they are capable of.
The intrigue in this one comes down to Japan vs Sweden; the game between the two sides likely decides who makes it through the group stages into the knockouts, and I give Japan that slight edge.
Tunisia could be in for a long summer, but it is the World Cup after all, and we are bound to see plenty of upsets and breakout stars making a name for themselves, so there is still hope for them.
Check out our other 2026 World Cup Group previews:
- – World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
- – World Cup Group B preview: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland
- – World Cup Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- – World Cup Group D preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
- – World Cup Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao
- – World Cup Group G preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand
- – World Cup Group H preview: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay
- – World Cup Group I preview: France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway
- – World Cup Group J preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan
- – World Cup Group K preview: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia
- – World Cup Group L preview: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama
