The 2026 FIFA World Cup is less than two weeks away, and the 12 groups are set ahead of the newly expanded 48-team tournament.
The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marks the first time the historic tournament has expanded from 32 to 48 teams. It will also feature a new Round of 32 knockout stage, resulting in a colossal 104 matches across 39 days.
Group F includes Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. Let’s take a look at the Group F teams and see how each team is shaping up heading into the tournament.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia
Netherlands:
Although Group F is one of the most well-rounded groups in the tournament, the Netherlands are still the favorites to advance. The Netherlands have been one of the most competitive international teams of the 2020s and have found success in recent major tournaments. The Dutch lost to eventual champions Argentina in what was one of the best matches of the entire 2022 World Cup and also reached the semifinals of Euro 2024 before losing to England in a heartbreaking 90th-minute winner.
The Netherlands have always been among the upper echelon of international teams but have never been able to capture that elusive major tournament trophy. Expectations remain high entering this summer, as the Dutch are still one of the deepest and most well-rounded squads despite injuries to midfielder Xavi Simons and defender Matthijs de Ligt, who will miss the tournament.
The Netherlands’ defense is still as strong as ever, with standout defender and captain Virgil van Dijk leading the back line alongside Manchester City’s Nathan Aké and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries. The rest of their projected lineup will look very similar to past tournaments, with Frenkie de Jong still controlling the midfield and Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer, and Cody Gakpo, who had a breakout World Cup performance in 2022, leading the attack.
Japan:
Since making their World Cup debut in 1998, Japan has qualified for every subsequent tournament and has become one of Asia’s premier and most consistent World Cup nations. Japan has an impressive track record in the group stage, advancing in both 2018 and 2022, including a 2022 campaign in which they defeated both Spain and Germany. Their kryptonite seems to be the Round of 16, where Japan has suffered four defeats.
Japan enters the summer chasing that coveted quarterfinal berth, and if their World Cup qualifying record is any indication of the type of performance we might see this summer, that goal may be within reach. Japan was the first non-host nation to qualify for the World Cup, going 13-1-2 while conceding only three goals in those 16 matches.
Japan is known for its high-intensity pressing style, which smothers opponents and forces turnovers, and they are one of the better-coached teams in the tournament. Keep an eye on Wataru Endo, Ritsu Doan, and Takefusa Kubo, who will all be key difference-makers for Japan this summer.
Sweden:
Sweden may have had the most chaotic path to qualify for this year’s World Cup. Sweden originally finished last in their World Cup qualifying group without a single win, which caused their manager to be sacked. Then came Graham Potter, who helped weather the storm and guide Sweden through the Nations League playoffs, where they narrowly secured World Cup qualification after an 88th-minute goal from Viktor Gyökeres sealed a 3-2 victory over Poland.
Sweden missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but enjoyed a successful run in 2018, reaching the quarterfinals. Sweden’s recent form under Potter has improved, but they will need to be at their best to advance from a tough Group F. Gyökeres, alongside fellow attackers Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga, gives Sweden a dangerous attack capable of defeating any team in Group F on its day.
Tunisia:
Tunisia’s inclusion in the 2026 World Cup makes it three straight editions for the Tunisians. Tunisia played well during qualification, winning nine games and drawing one match. Tunisia are clearly the underdogs in Group F but will be hoping to make it out of the group stage for the first time in history.
Despite tough group competition, eight of the 12 third-place teams will advance to the Round of 32, so history is very much possible for Tunisia this summer. Ellyes Skhiri will be a crucial anchor for Tunisia and brings immense experience to the tournament with over 80 caps for his country.
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