World Cup 2026 Group F
GROUP F
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
| Netherlands | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 7 |
| Japan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 5 |
| Sweden | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
| Tunisia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 0 |
Joji Imamiya
[Team Jersey Images © Soccerphile]
Tunisia
Tunisia couldn't have asked for a better qualification campaign. Nine wins out of ten games, no defeats. Kept a clean sheet in all of them.
But they are yet to be taken seriously at a World Cup stage. Despite appearing in seven tournaments previously, the Eagles of Carthage have never qualified for the knockout stages. With a third-place finish potentially enough to get past the group phase, Tunisia are hoping to change history.
In the previous edition of Qatar 2022, Tunisia proved to be awkward opposition in Group D. They frustrated Denmark in a goalless draw and took maximum points from a heavily rotated French team.
Wahbi Khazri, who got the only goal in that game, is omitted from the squad this time, as is Ferjani Sassi. Manager Sabri Lamouchi, who has been in the post only since January of this year, has sent a clear message that he is unafraid to reject experienced players and prioritise men performing in European leagues.
The figurehead of this squad is Eintracht Frankfurt's Ellyes Skhiri. He is a combative defensive midfielder with a wealth of Ligue 1 and Bundesliga experience, the former of which he gained at Montpellier. Hannibal Mejbri is a player Premier League fans would recognise. In a bitterly disappointing campaign for Burnley, he has been somewhat admirable.
Other participants to look out for include Dylan Bronn, who plies his trade in Switzerland with Servette, and Rani Khedira, the younger brother of Sami, a 2014 World Cup winner in Brazil. Rani, employed by Union Berlin, has recently switched allegiance from Germany to Tunisia, after heavy persuasion from Lamouchi.
Out of all African participants, Tunisia looks the most solid. But overcoming nations such as Liberia, Malawi and Equatorial Guinea in Qualifying Group H is not sufficient to truly gauge their capabilities. Their output in the 2025 AFCON was underwhelming. Tunisia's plan to take their match against Mali in the Round of 16 to penalties despite having their opponents a man down after twenty-five minutes was cowardly, and they were ultimately punished.
Their previous boss, Sami Trabelsi, adopted a cautious approach, and perhaps Lamouchi can add a bit of dynamism to the squad. But with only two games under his belt as of mid-May, it is difficult to say whether he can bring a different kind of ethos for the 2026 tournament. He was the head coach of the Ivory Coast for Brazil 2014, and though his team were exciting to watch, their defence was found wanting in games versus Colombia and Greece.
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Tunisia Kit 1 |
Tunisia Kit 2 |
Sweden vs Tunisia - June 14; Monterrey (Mexico)
Tunisia vs Japan - June 20; Monterrey
Tunisia vs Netherlands - June 25; Kansas City
Coach
Coach: Sabri Lamouchi. Lamouchi was sacked after Tunisia's 1-5 loss to Sweden in Monterrey, the first time a manager has lost his job after just one World Cup match. He was replaced by former Morocco and Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard until the end of the tournament.
Record
Best World Cup: Group Stage in 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022.
Formation
A diamond-shaped 4-4-2
One to watch: Hannibal Mejbri
Touted as a wonderkid for an extended period, Mejbri has finally started to show promise. He is probably Tunisia's most gifted player on the ball. If he fails to impress, he may have to settle for playing outside of the Premier League.
Tunisia aims to qualify for the last 32. Will they achieve it? They won't finish with zero points, but it might be too difficult a task.
How they qualified
Tunisia were placed in qualification - CAF Group H. None of Malawi, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe posed a real threat. They topped their group comfortably.
On the sidelines
The assistant coach is Michael Hefele, formerly of Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield Town. He was the only Huddersfield player to miss his penalty in the 2017 EFL Championship play-off final against Reading.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Sabri Ben Hessen (Etoile Sahel), Abdelmouhib Chamakh (Club Africain), Aymen Dahman (CS Sfaxien)
Defenders: Ali Abdi (Nice), Adem Arous (Kasimpasa), Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida (Esperance), Dylan Bronn (Servette Geneva), Raed Chikhaoui (US Monastir), Moutaz Neffati (Norrkoping), Omar Rekik (NK Maribor), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Yan Valery (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa), Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich City), Ismael Gharbi (FC Augsburg), Rani Khedira (Union Berlin), Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (Lugano), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Strikers: Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen), Khalil Ayari (Paris St Germain), Firas Chaouat (Club Africain), Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver Whitecaps), Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala), Elias Saad (Hannover 96), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic)
Sweden
Are Sweden the least deserving team to earn a World Cup berth? It's difficult to say whether that's the case throughout history, but they are for this particular tournament. Horrific throughout qualification, the Blue and Yellow have entered this World Cup through the back door, via the playoffs. The results in Group B were harrowing. After a 2-2 draw in Ljubljana, the Swedes went three games without scoring, with the 0-1 home loss to Kosovo seen as the most unacceptable.
Understandably, Jon Dahl Tomasson, previously hired by Blackburn Rovers, was shown the door, and Graham Potter came in. The Englishman himself had a lot to prove, after a nightmarish period of coaching Chelsea and West Ham United. But those two stints didn't deter the Swedish FA, who are very much aware of his heroic efforts at Ostersund. The tiny outfit were a fourth-tier club when Potter was appointed, but reached the heights of beating Galatasaray and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Europa League. His record in English football after being appointed by Swansea City in 2018 is well-documented.
Potter's inaugural match as coach of Sweden started with a mauling by Switzerland at Stade de Genève. And yet, when it most mattered, Sweden found their form. Although they collected just two points in qualifying, they were given a second chance due to their record in the UEFA Nations League. Sweden headed to Estadi Ciutat de València to face Ukraine in the play-off, with Serhiy Rebrov's men having to play away from home even in "home" games. Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres showed his qualities by producing a clinical hat-trick.
In terms of individual quality, it can even be described as a golden generation. But the supposedly world-class players have been misfiring at best and are appalling at worst. Gyokeres' first touch is clunky and lacks finesse in his general play. But Arsenal's Mikel Arteta was aware of what he would bring to the table before signing him from Sporting CP. Despite already possessing Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, Arteta has utilised Gyokeres in most games, valuing his physical prowess and hold-up play. Whatever happens to Arsenal in the Premier League and the Champions League, it's safe to say the burly striker has performed adequately.
As for the other big hitters from the Premier League, i.e., Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak, both had seasons to forget. Injuries have plagued Isak, while Elanga has struggled to fit into a system which doesn't rely on counterattacks at Newcastle United. Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski, known for his wonder of a left foot, is ruled out. His clubmate Lucas Bergvall could prove to be important if his nation were to progress far.
Tactically, Sweden's biggest strength may come in set pieces. In their all-important play-off versus Poland, Gustaf Lagerbielke scored a bullet header, meeting a wicked ball from the right delivered by Benjamin Nygren. Sweden will likely employ a back three consisting of Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelof and Carl Starfelt.
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Sweden Kit 1 |
Sweden Kit 2 |
Sweden vs Tunisia - June 14; Monterrey
Netherlands vs Sweden - June 20; Houston
Japan vs Sweden - June 25; Arlington (Dallas, TX)
Coach
Graham Potter
Record
Best World Cup: Runners-up in 1958.
Formation
3-5-2
One to watch: Anthony Elanga
Although Viktor Gyokeres is the superstar of the team, Elanga will be just as crucial. After failing to nail down a place at Manchester United, Elanga looked to have settled at Nottingham Forest, thriving under Nuno Espirito Santo's leadership. But Forest's recruitment strategy is unpredictable, and when Newcastle came in with big money, he had no option but to leave. Anonymous so far at club level, Elanga has looked sharp when featuring for Sweden.
Sweden have found form at the right time, but do not expect a fairytale run like that of USA 1994.
How they qualified
Sweden finished dead last in UEFA Group B, but were handed a play-off shaped lifeline due to their excellent record in the Nations League. They downed Ukraine in Valencia before overcoming Poland in an entertaining 3-2 win at the Strawberry Arena in Solna.
On the sidelines
Viktor Gyökeres is of Hungarian descent and is a dual citizen of Hungary and Sweden.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby County)
Defenders: Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Emil Holm (Juventus), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa), Erik Smith (St. Pauli), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Elliot Stroud (Mjallby), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Taha Ali (Malmo), Yasin Ayari (Brighton), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham), Jesper Karlstrom (Udinese), Ken Sema (Pafos), Mattias Svanberg (Wolfsburg), Besfort Zeneli (Union St-Gilloise)
Strikers: Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)
Netherlands
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, could this World Cup change the Netherlands' narrative? Probably not. As always, there is plenty of talent in the squad, but it will not be enough to get over the line.
Led by Ronald Koeman, the Dutch were placed in Group G in qualifying alongside Poland, Finland, Malta and Lithuania. They made light work of this group, winning six out of eight and losing none. The only blemishes were the two draws against the Poles.
What makes the Netherlands unique is its tactical fluidity, or malleability, if you will. They'll kick off games with either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, but this will not be the case throughout the 90 minutes. The Netherlands will make their midfield compact and allow minimal space. As for the forwards, they'll most likely start games with Cody Gakpo on the left, Donyell Malen on the right and Memphis Depay in the centre. The squeezed midfield allows right-back Denzel Dumfries to bomb forward, making him one of the biggest offensive threats. The Inter Milan powerhouse is capable of going up and down the whole game and has a knack for popping up at the right time whenever a cross comes in from the left-hand side.
Speaking of the left side, this will be guarded more carefully, as Tottenham's Micky van de Ven will be ordered to stay put and form a back three. The defence is where the strength lies. Koeman can call on the services of Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake and Jan Paul van Hecke. Having said that, van Dijk's lack of form at Liverpool is a worry, and Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt is unavailable for selection.
In Qatar 2022, Louis van Gaal found the magic formula in Group A by deploying Daley Blind and Dumfries as wing-backs and overwhelming the opposition box. This time, however, Koeman will have to concoct something different, as they do not have an individual capable of offence on the left side. It means there will be more reliance on Gakpo to unlock defences. On the other side, Donyell Malen has been a revelation since he made a loan switch to AS Roma from Aston Villa. His thirteen goals in sixteen Serie A appearances were enough to convince Gian Piero Gasperini to sign him permanently.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is consistent and ever-reliable. Without him, the Netherlands struggle to dictate the tempo of games and recycle possession. Ryan Gravenberch will almost certainly start, and this could be the tournament where Tijjani Reijnders truly cements his reputation as one of the best midfielders around.
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Netherlands Kit 1 |
Netherlands Kit 2 |
Netherlands vs Japan - June 14; Arlington (Dallas)
Netherlands vs Sweden - June 20; Houston
Tunisia vs Netherlands - June 25; Kansas City
Coach
Ronald Koeman
Record
Best World Cup: Runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
Formation
4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3
One to watch: Denzel Dumfries
Perhaps not the most talented footballer in the Dutch squad, but his importance is immense. His dynamism and work rate will be key to the way Koeman wants the team to play. Dumfries was signed by Inter Milan from PSV in 2021, and he has taken hold of that right-back slot ever since. He and Federico Dimarco, on the other flank, have drastically changed Inter's fortunes from nearlymen to the best team in the Italian game.
The Netherlands should escape this group, but will not be crowned champions.
How they qualified
The Dutch topped Group G ahead of Poland and avoided a play-off.
On the sidelines
Memphis Depay, who is uncertain to play at this stage, has been away from Europe for almost two years. His decision to play for Corinthians in Brazil has proved smart so far, contributing to their Copa do Brasil triumph in 2025 by defeating Vasco da Gama in the final over two legs with the decisive game at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Noah Lang (Galatasaray), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Strikers: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
Japan
If you're tipped to be a dark horse by everyone, do you really deserve that tag? That's the question Japan will have to wrestle with in this World Cup.
Japan blitzed through qualifying, and there was plenty of optimism after they demolished Indonesia at the Suita City Football Stadium on the final matchday in the Third Round. Daichi Kamada was purring, and Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo took centre stage in an awesome display.
With less than a month remaining, Japan have had setbacks since. Takumi Minamino of AS Monaco tore his ACL in a Coupe de France tie versus Auxerre in December 2025, dashing his hopes for selection. Kaoru Mitoma will not participate because of a hamstring problem. As much as head coach Hajime Moriyasu wants to claim that the team is built on cohesion, not individuality, these two absences will no doubt weaken Japan's attacking prowess.
The squad announcement caused a bigger stir than initially anticipated. Yuto Nagatomo, who is 39 and has been playing in the J-League since 2021, was picked. He could become the first Asian player to appear in five World Cups. The bigger talking point could be that of Hidemasa Morita, who did not make the cut despite his consistent performances at Sporting CP. Unlike Minamino and Mitoma, Morita has no fitness issues but indirectly criticised the coach and his staff after elimination from the 2023 AFC Asia Cup.
Moriyasu tends to let his players decide the intricate parts of their tactics, such as build-up play and who goes to cover vacated spaces in a defensive phase. After Japan's elimination by Iran, Morita admitted that constantly having to think about tactics during matches had been difficult for both him and the team. Moriyasu did not make a rebuttal to the comment, but it is quite evident that he took offence. The omission of Shuto Machino was also surprising. Although he is not pulling up any trees at Borussia Monchengladbach, he has an accurate shot that could prove to be handy in crucial moments. It means there'll be an enormous reliance on Ayase Ueda to come up with the goods. The top scorer of Eredivisie this season, Ueda has found an environment in which he could thrive, facilitated by manager Robin van Persie. The Netherlands will be very much aware of his strengths.
There will be question marks with the defenders. Ko Itakura of Ajax is error-prone, and there is consensus that he cannot lead the back line after his terrible performance in that match against Iran two years ago, which still haunts him. Takehiro Tomiyasu is by far and away Japan's most talented defender, but injuries tend to get the better of him, and so his fitness needs to be monitored. It will no doubt be a big tournament for Zion Suzuki in goal. Suzuki has been soldiering on for Parma despite getting no help from his defenders at times.
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Japan Kit 1 |
Japan Kit 2 |
Netherlands vs Japan - June 14; Arlington
Tunisia vs Japan - June 20; Monterrey
Japan vs Sweden - June 25; Arlington
Coach
Hajime Moriyasu
Record
Best World Cup: Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018, 2022.
Formation
3-4-2-1
One to watch: Ritsu Doan
After making a name for himself at SC Freiburg, Doan made what he saw as a step up by joining Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. It has since proven to be a wise acquisition, as Doan has reached double figures in goal involvements in the Bundesliga. Watch out for his precise left-footed deliveries into the box.
Getting to the Round of 16 is a realistic goal, but the dream is to go beyond the quarter-final.
How they qualified
The Japanese finished top of their qualifying group, ahead of Australia and Saudi Arabia.
On the sidelines
There will be many familiar faces on the subs bench, as Makoto Hasebe and Shunsuke Nakamura will attend as assistant coaches.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki (Parma Calcio), Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Junnosuke Suzuki (FC Copenhagen)
Midfielders: *Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad).
Strikers: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Kento Shiogai (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden), Yuito Suzuki (SC Freiburg)
*Wataru Endo failed to recover from injury and was replaced by Shuto Machino (Borussia Mönchengladbach). Endo also announced his retirement from international football.
World Cup Venue Cities
2026 World Cup Venue Cities Guide - All 16 venues in USA, Mexico and Canada.