Group F — Group Standings
Match schedule, current standings and our prediction for Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Netherlands
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 7 |
| 2 |
Japan
|
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 5 |
| 3 |
Sweden
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 |
Tunisia
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
Match Schedule
Netherlands
2 - 2
Japan
Sweden
5 - 1
Tunisia
Netherlands
5 - 1
Sweden
Tunisia
0 - 4
Japan
Tunisia
1 - 3
Netherlands
Japan
1 - 1
Sweden
Our Prediction
Pre-Tournament Forecast
Race for 1st place
Despite Japan's qualifying campaign suggesting they could push for first, the Netherlands are the firmest favourite to top Group F. Ronald Koeman's squad — Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo and the rising Xavi Simons — has the deepest top-five-league representation of any team in this group and arrives in form. The decider is Netherlands vs. Japan on matchday 2: a Dutch win locks down first; a Japan win or draw leaves the group very tight heading into the final round.
Race for 2nd place
Japan are clear favourites for second place, even if they fall short of first. Hajime Moriyasu's team — built around Takefusa Kubo, Daizen Maeda, Ao Tanaka and Daichi Kamada — has the best technical level Japan has ever brought to a World Cup, and they will comfortably outclass Tunisia and Sweden. Even a defeat to the Dutch leaves Japan on 6 points — almost certainly enough for second.
Third-place playoff slot
Sweden are the favourites for the third-place playoff slot, ahead of Tunisia. Graham Potter's side returns to the World Cup after missing 2022, and the strike pairing of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres is genuinely elite. The path is narrow: take points off Tunisia on matchday 1, hold the Dutch or Japan to a draw, and hope the third-place tiebreakers favour them. Four points should make it.
Bottom of the group
Tunisia are the most likely group bottom. Sabri Lamouchi's veteran-heavy squad lacks the firepower to genuinely threaten Japan or the Netherlands, and they will be heavy underdogs against Sweden as well. A single point from the Sweden game on matchday 1 is the realistic ceiling — probably not enough to escape last place.
Updated After Matchday 1
Group F produced the matchday's most surprising result: Sweden tore through Tunisia 5–1 to take sole top spot, while group favourites Netherlands disappointed, dropping points against Japan. The Isak–Gyökeres strike partnership in Sweden's attack looks one of the most fearsome at the tournament, and the Swedes are now real contenders for first place. Japan confirmed their reputation as a side that fears no one — disciplined pressing, organisation, and quick counter-attacks. Netherlands need to regroup ahead of Sweden on 20 June, the match that will decide first place. Tunisia have nearly lost their knockout hopes after that defeat; against Japan on 21 June they need at least a point or they are heading home as early as next week.
Updated After Matchday 2
Group F clarified dramatically: the Netherlands recovered from their opening stumble to thrash Sweden 5–1, while Japan dismantled Tunisia 4–0 — and the two now sit level on four points at the summit. Sweden, so impressive in round one, were brought back to earth and slip to third on three, though they remain very much alive. The pivotal game is Japan–Sweden on 25 June: effectively a knockout for a top-two place, with the Netherlands strong favourites to beat eliminated Tunisia in the other fixture and likely progress regardless. Japan have looked fearless and well-drilled; Sweden's Isak–Gyökeres axis still makes them dangerous, so this is the tie of the round. Tunisia, beaten heavily twice, are out. The likeliest finish: the Netherlands top the group, and the Japan–Sweden winner takes second.