Netherlands
Three-time World Cup finalists and still searching for their first title. Ronald Koeman’s side arrive ranked seventh in the world with a squad featuring 15 Premier League players.
Virgil van Dijk captains from the back. The key absence is Xavi Simons – ruled out with an ACL injury – but the squad depth remains formidable. Memphis Depay made the cut despite fitness concerns and brings invaluable experience as the Dutch all-time top scorer.
Players to watch: Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong.
Japan
The Samurai Blue arrive at their eighth consecutive World Cup under Hajime Moriyasu and are the most dangerous side in the group after the Netherlands.
Japan have reached the Round of 16 at four of their last five World Cups and showed their quality with a friendly win over England at Wembley in 2026. Wataru Endo anchors a disciplined and technically gifted midfield.
Players to watch: Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo.
Sweden
Sweden qualified dramatically through the UEFA playoff – Viktor Gyokeres’ late goal against Poland sending them to their 13th World Cup.
Graham Potter takes charge of his first major tournament and has built a young, energetic squad around Gyokeres’ prolific scoring. Alexander Isak makes his first World Cup appearance despite a difficult debut season at Liverpool through injury.
Players to watch: Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak.
Tunisia
The Eagles of Carthage arrive at their seventh World Cup under new coach Sabri Lamouchi – appointed in January 2026. Tunisia did not concede a single goal throughout the entire qualifying campaign.
They have never advanced beyond the group stage in six previous World Cup appearances but arrive with genuine defensive quality.
Players to watch: Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht and Montassar Talbi.
Netherlands are the clear favourites to top Group F. The battle for second place between Japan and Sweden is the group’s most compelling storyline – with Tunisia’s defensive resilience making them dangerous opponents.
The fixtures
14 Jun: Netherlands vs Japan – AT&T Stadium, Arlington – 22:00 SAST
15 Jun: Sweden vs Tunisia – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey – 04:00 SAST
20 Jun: Netherlands vs Sweden – NRG Stadium, Houston – 19:00 SAST
21 Jun: Tunisia vs Japan – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey – 06:00 SAST
26 Jun: Japan vs Sweden – AT&T Stadium, Arlington – 01:00 SAST
26 Jun: Tunisia vs Netherlands – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – 01:00 SAST
Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
