World Cup 2026 Group F Preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

The Netherlands did not draw an easy group at the 2026 World Cup, as they'll have to deflect a plucky Tunisian squad, high-powered Japan and a stout Sweden team. This is another one of those groups of death, that has been created through expansion. Here's what to know.

Netherlands (Oranje)

Coach Ronald Koeman

Hot take. The most talented team never to win it, in a group it should stroll. The only real question is whether the old Dutch self-sabotage shows up.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "The Netherlands have finished World Cup runners-up three times, in 1974, 1978 and 2010."

Word from home. Ronald Koeman on whether the Dutch can win a title:

"Anything is possible, but you have to believe it." Ronald Koeman, Voetbalprimeur

The story. The selection process was undercut by injuries and fitness issues, including, most recently, Jurrien Timber being ruled out. Still, the Dutch press have called this Oranje's most complete squad in years.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes the Dutch group favorites, 88.2 percent to advance and 48.2 percent to finish first.

One thing to read. Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard: from the streets of Amsterdam to European domination together, These Football Times (2019).

Japan (Samurai Blue)

Coach Hajime Moriyasu

Hot take. Japan is the most dangerous side in the group, and could upset a predictable narrative where the Dutch finish top of the group.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Japan have reached the round of 16 at four separate World Cups, including in 2022."

Word from home. Hajime Moriyasu on the plan:

"By building our own strength, the goal will come closer to us." Hajime Moriyasu, JFA

The story. Japan scored 30 goals in qualification, and only allowed three. They finished ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia, who were in the same group, and their only loss was a 1-0 blip to the Socceroos. They also have one of the most complex play-styles at the 2026 World Cup.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Japan a 76.2 percent chance of the knockouts, likely as group runners-up behind the Netherlands.

One thing to read. What Japan Wins in Every World Cup, TIME (2026).

Sweden (Blågult)

Coach Graham Potter

Hot take. Sweden will comfortably make it out of the group, but after that I'm not promising anything.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Sweden didn't win a single one of their six qualifying-group games and still reached the World Cup, sneaking in through the playoffs."

Word from home. A Swedish columnist on the mood the new manager has created:

"Graham Potter has made me dream about the 2026 World Cup." FotbollDirekt

The story. Gyökeres and Isak are the story, two different attacking options that should get plenty of play, and are sure to give other teams fits.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Sweden a 62.6 percent chance of the round of 32, third-best in the group.

One thing to read. The World According to Zlatan, ESPN The Magazine.

Tunisia (Les Aigles de Carthage)

Coach Sabri Lamouchi

Hot take. Extremely disciplined defense that no one will take lightly.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Tunisia qualified for the 2026 World Cup without giving up a single goal."

Word from home. Sabri Lamouchi on the reality of the competition:

"we certainly can't win every match. However, we have to give it our all." Sabri Lamouchi, Flashscore

The story. Tunisia qualified unbeaten and without conceding a goal, then sacked Sami Trabelsi after an early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes Tunisia the Group F underdogs at 43.4 percent to advance.

One thing to read. Tunisia: A Team Desperately Looking for a Nation, These Football Times (2018).

Group F: Fixtures to watch / predictions

Fixtures to watch.

• Sun, Jun 14: Netherlands vs Japan, 4:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Sat, Jun 20: Netherlands vs Sweden, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Sat, Jun 20: Tunisia vs Japan, 12:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / Telemundo)
• Thu, Jun 25: Tunisia vs Netherlands, 7:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)

The call.