Emma Raducanu is hopeful her commanding first-round win over Anna Blinkova at Queen’s can serve as a “really good stepping stone” for her Wimbledon preparations.

British number one Raducanu was dominant for most of the contest, winning the first eight games without reply before going on to complete a 6-0 6-3 victory over the Russian qualifier.

Advertisement

It was the 23-year-old’s first win since 6 March, when she beat qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in the Indian Wells first round.

Raducanu’s season has since been disrupted by a post-viral illness that kept her off the WTA Tour for more than two months, and she lost her only two matches on clay on her return – in Strasbourg and at the French Open.

But Raducanu appeared comfortable as she opened her grass-court season in London – and delighted to be competing in front of her home support.

“I’m so happy to have come through that match. To be back here playing at Queen’s… I haven’t actually won a match for a few months and there isn’t a place I would rather have done it. I’m really grateful for all the support,” Raducanu told the crowd.

Advertisement

‘A lot of clarity’ – Raducanu ‘feels at home’ at Queen’s

In her two matches following illness, Raducanu appeared to be lacking in both energy and confidence as she showed little emotion on court.

But, 16 days after her first-round exit at Roland Garros, the Briton looked much more relaxed on Andy Murray Arena.

She smiled at the crowd during her warm-up, while there was a celebratory roar or fist pump after every point she won.

“The way I was feeling on the court, the way I was moving, the way I was expressing myself, just the whole package – not necessarily the tennis – just how I kind of was acting on the court, I really enjoyed it,” Raducanu said.

Advertisement

“I was just feeding off the atmosphere, and it felt free, it felt clear, and a lot of clarity. Not necessarily thinking too much, not trying to do too much. It felt very natural.”

The 2021 US Open champion held a commanding 3-0 lead before rain halted play – but that would not disrupt her rhythm.

She captured the first set without reply after just 20 minutes on court, winning 25 of the 31 points played – hitting 11 winners and just two unforced errors.

Raducanu maintained that excellent level to begin the second set with a break of serve – although she would not have it entirely her own way.

Advertisement

A Queen’s quarter-finalist last year, Raducanu was hampered by double-faults as she allowed Blinkova back in – with four successive breaks of serve tying the set at three games apiece.

However, Raducanu broke again, courtesy of a fortuitous net cord, to set up the chance to serve out the match, and she wore a beaming smile in the sunshine as a closing backhand winner down the line on her second match point was met by huge cheers.

Writing ‘back home’ with a heart on a TV camera lens before exiting the court, Raducanu will return to face Romanian seventh seed Sorana Cirstea in the second round on Wednesday.

‘Really hard to sleep at night when you’re in the middle of a match’

British number three Katie Boulter also reached the second round, although her win was less straightforward as she fought back from a set and a break down to beat eighth seed Leylah Fernandez 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-5.

Advertisement

Their match was played over two days after rain on Monday evening saw play suspended with the Canadian leading 6-3 3-3.

But Boulter, the world number 73, stepped up the intensity on Tuesday to force a deciding set before wrapping up the win after two hours and 45 minutes.

“I am really pleased with the way I came back today. I was a step slow last night and she was playing great,” she said.

“I had to respond and it’s really hard to sleep at night when you’re in the middle of a match but I managed to get a few hours and I am really pleased how I managed to turn it around.”

Advertisement

Raducanu and Boulter joined Harriet Dart, who won her match on Monday, in the second round but British number four Francesca Jones and 17-year-old Briton Mika Stojsavljevic were both beaten in straight sets.

Boulter and Raducanu, nicknamed ‘Boultercanu’ for short after their doubles exploits at Queen’s last year, returned to play together again later on Tuesday.

But they were beaten 6-4 3-6 10-5 in a match tie-break.by fourth seeds Storm Hunter and Zhang Shuai.

Real Madrid have had a 150m euro (£130m) offer for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Real president Florentino Perez last week pledged to make a 150m euro offer for an unnamed “galactico” player if re-elected to his position.

Having successfully retained control on Sunday, Perez made good on his promise.

However, the move for the 26-year-old Argentina forward was turned down by his club, who cited Alvarez’s release clause of 500m euros (£430m).

In a statement, Real said: “Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez.

“After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”

Atletico quoted the Real Madrid statement on X alongside a series of laughing emojis., external

In a subsequent post, external they stated: “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything.

“We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does.”

In a final post, Atletico added, external: “P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!”

Former Manchester City player Alvarez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, joined the La Liga club in an £81.5m deal in 2024.

He scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico last season as they finished fourth in the table and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

The World Cup will be hosted across 16 different venues this summer, 11 of which host NFL games every fall and winter.

One might think not much will change on the security front, but whatever NFL fans see, it will be that on steroids, and for good reason.

Forty-eight teams will be vying for the coveted trophy in North America in 104 matches, and just about everything we are used to seeing when attending a sporting event will be thrown out the window.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Fans go through security during a U.S. Men’s National Team community training session at Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine on June 8, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images)

To use MetLife Stadium, which will host the final, as an example, NJ Transit train tickets are $98, Penn Station will be closed for non-World Cup attendees four hours before matches, and no parking is available aside from “premium parking” at nearly $300 in the nearby American Dream mall.

But on the security front, there are massive changes because for the vast majority of the fans in attendance, everything will be new.

“When you’ve got different people from different countries who’ve flown in with different languages, currencies, and unfamiliarity with the subway systems, you have to put more layers of rigor in,” Peter Evans, CEO of security company Xtract One Technologies, said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Evans also mentioned how in a heightened political environment, surroundings could get testy rather quickly.

“You have people who have flown in just for that game and spent a lot of money. They might be bringing their political opinions or issues they want to make a statement about at an event like MetLife Stadium, which has global attention and scrutiny. The security risks are different than a Super Bowl,” Evans said.

Teams like Evans’ Xtract One will team up with the security teams of FIFA, local law enforcement and even other agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which will be at games for safety but not customs enforcement, in hopes of as smooth sailing as possible.

“People start planning for these activities years in advance because there is so much complexity involving local law enforcement, the DHS, FBI, CIA and Interpol. It takes a lot of coordination regarding technology, scanning social media and even counter-drone activities. It’s particularly complex now because of AI software, smartphones, and drones,” Evans said.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host games during the 2026 World Cup. (Getty Images)

OFFICIALS LAY OUT ICE’S ROLE AT LOS ANGELES WORLD CUP PLANS, ANNOUNCE BOOSTED SECURITY FOR IRAN GAMES

“Security people do not see each other as competition. They share a common interest in protecting people. You will see organizations like ours partnering with competitors to deliver the right solution.”

It should also surprise nobody if President Donald Trump is in attendance for multiple games – he did attend the Club World Cup final at MetLife last July, and he just attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals. If that’s the case, Evans did say that it should be announced sooner rather than later “so people have time to prepare accurately.”

“You’ve got multiple more layers because these activities are a potential target for someone wanting notoriety and impact. When you add a president to the welcoming ceremony, it just heightens the security levels that much more and requires coordination,” he said.

Considering the amount of matches in such a short span, Evans believes that security teams will change protocols on the fly and take notes from prior matches all over the continent. And while it is nearly impossible to avoid conflict completely, Evans believes it is possible to minimize the risk as best as they can.

“I think individuals would be very surprised by how much sharing and coordination goes on. We see this with arenas and stadiums; for example, during a Harry Styles tour, all the venues would get together to share what they learned — like people concealing items in Big Bird or banana outfits. There is an unbelievable amount of sharing in a coordinated fashion and debriefing calls after each event to allow time to adjust before the next match,” Evans said.

United States fans go through security checks as they arrive to watch training in Irvine, California, on June 8, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“The primary focus is to minimize the risk and minimize the impact. You have millions of people attending with their children and families. Ultimately, you want to make sure no one in that fan group is impacted negatively. Is someone going to get drunk and disorderly? Probably. How quickly can you contain that risk so the general population has the experience they should have?

“The win: nobody gets hurt.”

Watch 3 Days of the FIFA World Cup for Free after 5/18 or before. Start your free trial or try it free.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Joe Coffey was one of the pro wrestling stars who joined Major League Wrestling (MLW) over the last year to bolster its star-laden roster.

Coffey, a former WWE NXT wrestler, joined the company with his Gallus stablemates Mark Coffey and Wolfgang. The group rebranded as Glasgow Boys on Top (GBOT) and are looking to add some gold around their waists. Coffey was with WWE until May 2025 when the trio departed.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Joe Coffey takes part in Major League Wrestling’s Battle Riot. (MLW)

“I feel like I just want more character development,” Coffey told Fox News Digital when asked why MLW was the right place for him. “I want to be able to tell a story. The past couple years I just felt as if that kinda fell by the wayside and was kinda wasted. I have a lot to offer. So does Mark (Coffey). So does Wolfie (Wolfgang).

“I’m really looking forward to just sinking my teeth in and telling some great stories. I got some great ideas and Court (Bauer) has been very collaborative and stuff like that. I can’t thank them enough for giving us an opportunity. I think it’s a perfect fit for just now.”

Coffey added that he hoped to have a title around his waist sooner rather than later and wished that for all of GBOT, not just himself.

MLW’s Joe Coffey enters the arena. (MLW)

PRO WRESTLING STAR TREVOR LEE SIGNS MLW DEAL, TALKS GOALS WITH COMPANY

“I hope I have a title around my waist,” he said. “I think we’re coming, especially now, the GBOT, it’s gotta be pure violence, to be honest. We have had restrictors, orders, before but now when we’re in the ring we just gotta be dominant. As Conor McGregor said a few years ago, we’re not here to take part. We’re here to take over.

“I’m not here to make up numbers. I’m here to show who I am. Quite frankly, I feel as though I’ve been wasted the past couple years so it’s just time to step up again and go, ‘Na, I’m Joe Coffey by the way. Just to let you know.’ I used to wrestle Hall of Famers, sold-out arenas, been a main-event player before that. So, na, na, I got my pedigree. I’m not going to rest on my laurels. But I’m here.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“MLW Fusion” debuted on Veeps earlier this month, putting the promotion on a global streaming platform for free and opening it up to a new audience.

Coffey called it a “massive” move for MLW and said that new fans can expect a fresh emphasis on storylines that no other company has.

Major League Wrestling’s Joe Coffey puts an opponent in a giant swing. (MLW)

“Actually watching ‘Fusion’ (last) Saturday, I feel as if ‘MLW Fusion’ has what the pro wrestling world is missing,” Coffey said. “It has something for everyone. There’s great storylines going on at one time. Again, I feel that’s missing in modern pro wrestling. So watching it, I was like, this is such a good show.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“I can’t wait for it to take on and let people see what we’ve been doing. … The feedback has been nothing but positive. I’m really positive and looking forward to the future with MLW.”

Germany enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 under pressure to restore their standing among football’s elite after suffering group-stage eliminations in both 2018 and 2022. Julian Nagelsmann’s side are expected to lead Group E, but Ecuador and Ivory Coast arrive with strong recent records and ambitions of reaching the knockout rounds.

Curacao complete the group as one of the tournament’s most compelling stories. The smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup will look to defy expectations against three established international sides. While Germany start as favourites, Group E offers enough quality and defensive solidity to make qualification far from straightforward.

FIFA WC 2026 Group E: Teams

• 
  Germany
• 
  Curacao
• 
  Ivory Coast
• 
  Ecuador

FIFA WC 2026 Group E: Team analysis

Germany

Germany arrive at the tournament seeking redemption after a disappointing decade at the World Cup. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, Die Mannschaft have failed to progress beyond the group stage in consecutive tournaments, an unprecedented slump for one of football’s traditional powerhouses.

Julian Nagelsmann has brought renewed optimism and a more settled structure. The squad blends experienced leaders such as Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger and Manuel Neuer with a new generation led by Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Nick Woltemade. Germany remain one of the most creative teams in international football and generated plenty of chances even during their disappointing campaign in Qatar.

The biggest challenge will be converting opportunities into goals. If Germany find consistency in front of goal, they possess enough talent to comfortably finish top of the group and potentially emerge as dark horses for the title.

Curacao

Curacao’s presence at the World Cup is one of the tournament’s great stories. The Caribbean nation has become the smallest country by population and area ever to qualify for football’s biggest event.

Veteran coach Dick Advocaat has played a major role in their rise, helping build a competitive squad through a combination of local talent and players with Dutch footballing backgrounds. The team is captained by Leandro Bacuna, while his brother, Juninho Bacuna, provides creativity in midfield.

Curacao enter the tournament as underdogs but possess attacking quality capable of causing problems. Their qualification campaign showcased an adventurous style of football, and they will relish the opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition.

Curacao’s full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Eloy Room, Shurandy Sambo, Jurien Gaari, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Godfried Roemeratoe, Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Jurgen Locadia, Leandro Bacuna, Jeremy Antonisse, Sontje Hansen, Tyrese Noslin, Kenji Gorre, Arjany Martha, Jearl Margaritha, Brandley Kuwas, Armando Obispo, Gervane Kastaneer, Joshua Brenet, Tahith Chong, Kevin Felida, Riechedly Bazoer, Deveron Fonville, Tyrick Bodak, Trevor Doornbusch.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 carrying momentum and confidence. Under Emerse Fae, the Elephants have rebuilt into one of Africa’s most balanced sides, combining defensive solidity with attacking depth.

The squad features a strong spine led by Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana and Evan Ndicka, while Simon Adingra and Amad Diallo provide pace and creativity in attacking areas. One of Ivory Coast’s greatest strengths is its unpredictability, with goals capable of coming from numerous sources throughout the team.

Having qualified without conceding a goal, Ivory Coast arrive as a side that can frustrate opponents and strike decisively. They look well equipped to challenge Ecuador for a knockout-stage berth.

Ivory Coast’s full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Yahia Fofana, Ousmane Diomande, Ghislain Konan, Jean Michael Seri, Wilfried Singo, Seko Fofana, Odilon Kossounou, Franck Kessie, Ange Yoan Bonny, Simon Adingra, Yan Diomande, Elye Wahi, Christopher Operi, Oumar Diakite, Amad Diallo, Mohamed Kone, Guela Doue, Ibrahim Sangare, Nicolas Pepe, Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan Ndicka, Evann Guessand, Alban Lafont, Bazoumana Toure, Parfait Guiagon, Christ Inao Oulai.

Ecuador

Ecuador quietly arrive as one of the most difficult teams in the tournament to break down. Sebastian Beccacece has overseen a disciplined and organised side that finished second in South American qualifying behind only Argentina.

The backbone of the team is its defence, which conceded only five goals across 18 qualification matches. Moises Caicedo drives the midfield with his energy and ball-winning ability, while veteran striker Enner Valencia continues to deliver crucial goals on the international stage.

Ecuador may not attract the same attention as some of the bigger nations, but their defensive organisation and tactical discipline make them serious contenders to progress. They could even push Germany for top spot if they maintain their qualifying form.

Ecuador’s full squad for the FIFA WC 2026: Hernan Galindez, Felix Torres, Piero Hincapie, Joel Ordonez, Jordy Alcivar, Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupinan, Anthony Valencia, John Yeboah, Kendry Paez, Kevin Rodriguez, Moises Ramirez, Enner Valencia, Alan Minda, Pedro Vite, Jordy Caicedo, Angelo Preciado, Denil Castillo, Gonzalo Plata, Nilson Angulo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Valle, Moises Caicedo, Jeremy Arevalo, Jackson Porozo, Yaimar Medina.

FIFA WC 2026 Group E: Players to watch out for

Germany – Florian Wirtz

The Liverpool playmaker is rapidly becoming one of the world’s elite attacking midfielders. His creativity, vision and ability to influence matches make him Germany’s most important attacking weapon.

Curacao – Juninho Bacuna

The midfielder was central to Curacao’s qualification campaign and remains the team’s primary creative force. His passing and chance creation will be crucial if Curacao are to spring a surprise.

Ivory Coast – Simon Adingra

Adingra has emerged as the focal point of Ivory Coast’s attack. Quick, direct and capable of scoring or creating goals, he is the player most likely to unlock stubborn defences.

Ecuador – Moises Caicedo

The Chelsea midfielder is the heartbeat of Ecuador’s team. His defensive work, energy and distribution allow Ecuador to compete with the world’s strongest sides.

FIFA WC 2026 Group E: Final standings prediction

Germany possess the strongest squad and should finally end their recent World Cup struggles by topping the group. Behind them, Ecuador’s defensive record and consistency give them a slight advantage in the race for second place.

Ivory Coast have enough talent to challenge throughout the group and could easily claim a knockout place if results fall their way. Curacao’s achievement in reaching the tournament is already historic, but they will hope to make life difficult for every opponent they face.

Predicted standings

• 
  Germany
• 
  Ecuador
• 
  Ivory Coast
• 
  Curacao

FIFA WC 2026 Group E: Full schedule

If you don’t have a ticket for the Dillon Bell hype train, it’s time to call the station and jump on board. The Minnesota Vikings found Bell from undrafted free agency in April, and he faces a decent chance of making the regular season roster at the end of August.

Reporters sang Bell’s praises at organized team activities (OTAs). He might be the real deal.

Vikings WR Competition Has Summer Wild Card

Bell Impresses at OTAs

Among others from Eagan, SI.com‘s Will Ragatz noted Bell’s sweet performance so far.

In addition to calling out Kyler Murray’s strong start, Ragatz wrote, “The next-biggest winner might just be undrafted rookie wide receiver Dillon Bell, who was one of Murray’s favorite targets over the course of both open practices. Bell had a sequence in the May 27 practice where he caught passes from Murray on back-to-back reps in 7-on-7: an intermediate crossing route toward the sideline and then an in-breaker over the middle.”

“Then, on June 4, that same thing happened again, with Murray finding Bell for downfield chunks on two straight plays to different sides of the field. Because we only saw two of the six OTAs, it’s hard to know how productive Bell was in the other four sessions.”

A handful of draftniks called out Bell when the Vikings signed him. Those individuals look wise right about now.

“But those two sequences alone said a lot. For an undrafted rookie to earn targets from a seven-year veteran QB like Murray says that he’s running the right routes, generating separation, and being trusted to catch the ball when it arrives,” Ragatz added.

“That’s a very promising early development, and it’ll be fun to keep an eye on No. 89 at three straight open minicamp practices this week.”

Who Is He?

Bell possesses a versatile skill set, measuring 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, with a 4.50 40-yard dash time, and the ability to play multiple positions — a quality highly valued by coaches. His path to NFL staying power will hinge on his versatility. He can line up across the field, execute special plays, and serve as a genuine offensive wildcard for Minnesota if he makes the roster, much like Josh Metellus’s role on defense.

The Vikings haven’t recently prioritized “gadget” offensive players, making Bell’s potential particularly interesting. He could introduce a novel dimension to Kevin O’Connell’s offense if they can integrate him into their weekly game plan.

Minnesota also has a strong track record with undrafted free agents. Adam Thielen, a success story from 2013, and Ivan Pace Jr., who made a similar impact in 2023, are prime examples. The Vikings, too, discovered talents like C.J. Ham, Anthony Harris, Jalen Redmond, and Andrew Sendejo, among others, in the last decade. Bell doesn’t need to emulate Thielen’s career trajectory to make an impact; he simply needs to stand out this summer and earn a roster spot.

VikingsWire‘s Andrew Harbaugh noted on Bell this week, ‘During his time with the Bulldogs, Bell caught 119 passes for 1,269 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. The Vikings have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the NFL, but adding someone younger and who can change things up as Bell can.”

The Roster Angle

Of course, when the Vikings signed Jauan Jennings in May, the case for a Bell roster spot diminished just a bit. Jennings is guaranteed to make the September roster, along with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But after those two, the plot thickens.

Between these men, Minnesota will likely keep two or three WRs after Jefferson and Addison:

• Tai Felton
• Myles Price
• Jeshaun Jones
• Dontae Fleming
• Dillon Bell
• Luke Wysong
• Michael Briscoe
• Trayvon Rudolph
• Marcus Sanders

It’s probably safe to assume that Minnesota will keep Felton and Price and call it good, but Bell cannot be ruled out if O’Connell opts for six wide receivers, especially because Price specializes in kick and punt returns.

Other Unsung Guys to Follow This Summer

Every summer has under-the-radar talent to monitor. For example, in 2025, undrafted free agents Joe Huber (guard) and Tyler Batty (outside linebacker) made the 53-man roster.

A reasonable and similar list in 2026 might look like this:

• Dillon Bell (WR)
• Bangally Kamara (ILB)
• Cam’Ron Stewart (OLB)
• Jacob Thomas (S)
• Brett Thorson (P)

Thorson is particularly fascinating because he could be an all-out summer camp battle with veteran punter Johnny Hekker. Stewart, too, fits the Vikings’ modus operandi — scooping an EDGE rusher from the undrafted market and keeping him around for the regular season. See: the aforementioned Batty and Bo Richter in 2024.

Bell will turn 23 in November.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2026 offers an intriguing mix of established contenders and ambitious challengers. The Netherlands are once again chasing the one major trophy that has eluded them throughout their rich footballing history, while Japan arrive believing they can finally break through the round-of-16 barrier.

Sweden return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022 and possess one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking partnerships, while Tunisia will rely on their trademark defensive organisation as they seek a first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds. With all four teams carrying genuine ambitions of progressing, Group F promises to be among the most competitive groups in the tournament.

FIFA WC 2026 Group F: Teams

• 
  Japan
• 
  Netherlands
• 
  Sweden
• 
  Tunisia

FIFA WC 2026 Group F: Team analysis

Japan

Japan enter the tournament with growing confidence after another impressive qualification campaign. Hajime Moriyasu’s side scored more goals than any other nation during qualifying and continue to establish themselves as Asia’s most consistent World Cup performers.

The Samurai Blue have reached the round of 16 on four occasions but are still searching for a first quarter-final appearance. This squad may be one of their strongest yet, combining European-based experience with technical quality throughout the team.

Captain Wataru Endo provides leadership and balance in midfield, while Takefusa Kubo has emerged as the creative heartbeat of the side. Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda give Japan multiple attacking options, making them one of the most dangerous teams outside the traditional powers.

Japan’s full squad for the FIFA WC 2026: Zion Suzuki, Yukinari Sugawara, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Yuto Nagatomo, Wataru Endo, Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo, Keisuke Goto, Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda, Keisuke Osako, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Yuito Suzuki, Ayase Ueda, Koki Ogawa, Ayumu Seko, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Tomoki Hayakawa, Kaishu Sano, Junnosuke Suzuki, Kento Shiogai.

Netherlands

The Netherlands once again arrive at a World Cup carrying the burden of history. Despite reaching three finals, the Dutch are still searching for a first world title and will believe this squad is capable of making a deep run.

Ronald Koeman’s side remain built around a strong defensive core led by captain Virgil van Dijk. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders provide control and creativity, while Memphis Depay continues to lead the attack as the nation’s all-time leading scorer.

Netherlands’ full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Bart Verbruggen, Jurrien Timber, Marten de Roon, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Jan Paul van Hecke, Justin Kluivert, Ryan Gravenberch, Wout Weghorst, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Mats Wieffer, Robin Roefs, Tijjani Reijnders, Micky van de Ven, Guus Til, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, Teun Koopmeiners, Frenkie de Jong, Denzel Dumfries, Mark Flekken, Crysencio Summerville, Jorrel Hato, Quinten Timber.

Sweden

Sweden return to the World Cup determined to re-establish themselves among Europe’s leading international teams. Graham Potter has revitalised the national side and guided them through a dramatic play-off campaign to secure qualification.

The biggest strength of this squad lies in attack. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres form one of the most exciting strike partnerships at the tournament, while Anthony Elanga adds pace and directness from wide areas. Midfield talents Lucas Bergvall and Yasin Ayari provide youthful energy and creativity.

Sweden have a strong history at World Cups and have progressed from the group stage in each of their previous four appearances. They will believe they have enough quality to challenge both Japan and the Netherlands for qualification.

Sweden’s full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelof, Isak Hien, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Herman Johansson, Lucas Bergvall, Daniel Svensson, Alexander Isak, Benjamin Nygren, Anthony Elanga, Viktor Johansson, Ken Sema, Hjalmar Ekdal, Carl Starfelt, Jesper Karlstrom, Viktor Gyokeres, Yasin Ayari, Mattias Svanberg, Eric Smith, Alexander Bernhardsson, Besfort Zeneli, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Elliot Stroud, Gustaf Nilsson, Taha Ali.

Tunisia

Tunisia arrive at another World Cup hoping to finally break their long-standing knockout-stage barrier. The North African side have qualified consistently in recent decades but have never advanced beyond the first round.

Their route to the tournament showcased the qualities that have long defined Tunisian football. They won nine of their 10 qualifiers and did not concede a single goal, underlining their defensive discipline and tactical organisation.

Sabri Lamouchi has inherited a talented squad featuring Hannibal Mejbri, Ellyes Skhiri and Ali Abdi. While Tunisia may lack the star power of their rivals, their ability to remain compact and frustrate opponents makes them a dangerous team capable of springing surprises.

Tunisia’s full squad for the FIFA WC 2026: Mouhib Chamakh, Ali Abdi, Montassar Talbi, Omar Rekik, Adem Arous, Dylan Bronn, Elias Achouri, Elias Saad, Hazem Mastouri, Hannibal Mejbri, Ismael Gharbi, Mortadha Ben Ouanes, Rani Khedira, Khalil Ayari, Hadj Mahmoud, Aymen Dahmen, Ellyes Skhiri, Rayan Elloumi, Firas Chaouat, Yan Valery, Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida, Sabri Ben Hessen, Moutaz Neffati, Raed Chikhaoui, Anis Ben Slimane, Sebastian Tounekti.

FIFA WC 2026 Group F: Players to watch out for

Japan – Takefusa Kubo

Japan’s creative leader is entering his prime and remains the player most capable of unlocking defences. His vision, dribbling ability and end product will be crucial if Japan are to reach the knockout rounds.

Netherlands – Virgil van Dijk

The Dutch captain remains one of the world’s elite defenders. His leadership, aerial dominance and organisational skills make him the foundation of the Netherlands’ challenge.

Sweden – Viktor Gyokeres

The prolific striker carried Sweden through the play-offs and enters the tournament in excellent form. His finishing ability could be decisive in a tightly contested group.

Tunisia – Hannibal Mejbri

The midfielder provides creativity and energy in the centre of the pitch. Tunisia will look to him to drive attacks and create opportunities against stronger opponents.

FIFA WC 2026 Group F: Final standings prediction

The Netherlands possess the strongest overall squad and the deepest tournament pedigree in the group, making them favourites to finish first. Japan’s attacking quality and consistency at recent World Cups should be enough to secure second place.

Sweden have the firepower to challenge both favourites and could easily force their way into the qualification spots if Isak and Gyokeres hit top form. Tunisia’s defensive organisation should keep matches close, but a lack of proven World Cup success makes progression a difficult task.

Predicted standings

• 
  Netherlands
• 
  Japan
• 
  Sweden
• 
  Tunisia

FIFA WC 2026 Group F: Full schedule

FILE–Alex Eala in action during the WTA 125 Birmingham Open. –BIRMINGHAM OPEN/LTA PHOTO

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Zhang Shuai – HSBC Championships

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala shook off a slow start then steamrolled an erratic Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, in a resounding main draw debut at the HSBC Championships in London.

Just days removed from a title run in the Birmingham Open, Eala picked up where she left off and booked a rematch with her close friend Iva Jovic in the round of 16.

Eala was beaten by Jovic in the first round of the French Open two weeks ago.

READ: Alex Eala, fresh off title, plays Zhang Shuai at Queen’s Club

Into the Round of 16! 👏

Alex Eala flies through her opening round match at @QueensTennis, defeating Zhang 6-3, 6-2.#HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/SuareH326h

— wta (@WTA) June 9, 2026

The 21-year-old Eala broke loose from a 1-1 deadlock in the second set, pouncing on an error-prone showing by the Chinese veteran.

Eala rallied from 0-2 down in the opening frame before finding the right angles against Zhang, who committed 33 errors.

Eala blanked Zhang in the final game, ending the match in emphatic fashion.