Group F World Cup 2026 puts three-time runners-up the Netherlands alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. The group runs June 14 to 25. The Netherlands open against Japan in Texas.
Here is the bottom line. The Netherlands are the group favorite. Japan and Sweden should chase second place. Tunisia are the underdogs, but they are tough to beat.
Below you get the full schedule with ET kickoff times, live standings, and results. You also see how to watch every Group F game in the US.
Group F World Cup 2026 Teams
Four teams make up Group F. The Netherlands bring pedigree and depth. Japan arrive as a rising force. Sweden and Tunisia aim to upset the order.
| Team | Confederation | FIFA Ranking | How They Qualified | Best World Cup Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | UEFA | 7 | European qualifying | Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010) |
| Japan | AFC | 18 | Asian qualifying | Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) |
| Sweden | UEFA | 38 | European play-offs | Runners-up (1958) |
| Tunisia | CAF | 44 | African qualifying | Group stage |
FIFA rankings reflect the April 2026 list. The next update lands June 9.
You can see the full roster for each nation here:
- Netherlands World Cup squad 2026
- Japan World Cup squad 2026
- Sweden World Cup squad 2026
- Tunisia World Cup squad 2026
Group F World Cup 2026 Schedule
Group F plays six matches over two weeks. The Netherlands face Japan in the opener. The final two matches kick off at the same time on June 25.
All times below are Eastern Time (ET).
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, June 14 | Netherlands vs Japan | 4:00 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| Sun, June 14 | Sweden vs Tunisia | 10:00 p.m. | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
| Sat, June 20 | Tunisia vs Japan | 12:00 a.m. | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
| Sat, June 20 | Netherlands vs Sweden | 1:00 p.m. | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| Thu, June 25 | Japan vs Sweden | 7:00 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| Thu, June 25 | Tunisia vs Netherlands | 7:00 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
Group F plays across Texas, Missouri, and Mexico. The Netherlands stay in the US, in Arlington, Houston, and Kansas City. Tunisia play twice in Monterrey. The Tunisia vs Japan game kicks off at midnight ET, one of the latest slots of the group stage.
Want the full picture? See the complete World Cup 2026 schedule for all 104 matches.
World Cup 2026 Group F Standings
The standings below update live as results come in. The top two teams advance, plus the best third-placed team can reach the round of 32.
- Possible qualification (best 8 third-placed teams advance)
- Eliminated from tournament
FIFA changed the tiebreakers for 2026. If teams finish level on points, head-to-head results now come first. The order is head-to-head points, then head-to-head goal difference, then head-to-head goals scored. If teams are still level, FIFA uses overall goal difference, then overall goals scored, then the fair play record, and finally the FIFA ranking.
Group F Results
Group F results post here after each match.
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Japan
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Netherlands
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Sweden
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Tunisia
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| 1 | Japan | ||||
| 2 | Netherlands | ||||
| 3 | Sweden | ||||
| 4 | Tunisia |
Ready to watch? See our full World Cup 2026 live stream guide for every viewing option.
Who Will Win Group F?
The Netherlands are the favorite. They rank 7th, carry deep talent, and lost only one of their last 19 World Cup matches. Coach Ronald Koeman, fresh off a Euro 2024 semifinal run, leads a side built around captain Virgil van Dijk. Topping the group looks likely.
Japan and Sweden should fight for second. Japan beat Germany and Spain at the last World Cup, while Sweden have the firepower to surprise.
Tunisia are the underdogs. They are organized and hard to break down, and a single win could push them toward the knockout rounds in the expanded format.
FAQ About Group F World Cup 2026
Have the Netherlands ever won the World Cup?
No. The Netherlands have reached three World Cup finals, in 1974, 1978, and 2010, but lost all three. That makes them the most successful nation never to lift the trophy. Even so, their World Cup win rate trails only Brazil and Germany, and they enter 2026 as clear Group F favorites.
How did Sweden qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Sweden took the hard road. They struggled badly in European qualifying and reached the playoffs through their Nations League ranking. Under new coach Graham Potter, they then won their playoff path, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring a late winner against Poland. It is Sweden’s first World Cup since 2018.
Why is the Tunisia vs Japan match historic?
Tunisia vs Japan on June 20 is the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. It kicks off at midnight Eastern Time at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, one of the latest slots in the group stage. The milestone adds a little extra weight to an already important second-round game.
Has Japan ever beaten football’s biggest teams at a World Cup?
Yes. At the 2022 World Cup, Japan beat both Germany and Spain in the group stage to finish top of a tough group. They reached the round of 16 before losing on penalties. Japan have now reached the knockout rounds four times and arrive in 2026 with growing belief.
Has Tunisia ever reached the World Cup knockout stage?
No. The 2026 finals are Tunisia’s seventh World Cup and their third in a row. They have never advanced beyond the group stage. They have shown they can compete, though, beating France in their final group game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Will the summer heat affect Group F matches?
It could. Group F plays in some hot venues, including Monterrey’s open-air stadium, where June temperatures can climb high, plus Texas heat in Arlington and Houston. Late kickoff times help reduce the worst of it. Tunisia may handle the conditions better than their European and Asian rivals.
Group F World Cup 2026 blends Dutch pedigree, Japanese ambition, and two dangerous outsiders in Sweden and Tunisia. The group opens June 14 in Texas. Bookmark this page for live standings and results, and catch every match on your TV & streaming devices.
