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

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  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.

Peter Laviolette’s move to Los Angeles Kings may have altered the Maple Leafs‘ coaching plans more than initially expected. The veteran coach is reportedly set to become the Kings’ next head coach, leaving Toronto and Edmonton as the only teams still searching for a head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

While Laviolette had been linked to both openings, NHL insider Nick Kypreos suggested Toronto believed it was close to hiring the veteran coach before Los Angeles entered the picture.

“I was told on Friday that Laviolette was going to be the next coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Kypreos said, according to an X post shared by a Leafs fan account. “He was spotted in town, and I would imagine that L.A. did some fast talking on Saturday or Sunday. We could’ve been looking at a press conference on Monday or Tuesday. Did L.A. essentially swoop in and steal him from the Leafs?”

If true, Laviolette’s decision leaves Toronto back in the market after another experienced candidate came off the board.

TSN insider Pierre LeBrun recently reported that the Maple Leafs have moved into the next stage of their coaching search, with in-person interviews expected to begin this week. According to LeBrun, around five candidates remain under consideration.

Joe Pavelski is among the names that have surfaced in recent days, though reports have also suggested the organization may still prefer someone with more coaching experience.

The Maple Leafs parted ways with Craig Berube after missing the playoffs last season, with general manager John Chayka leading the search for the franchise’s next head coach.

Peter Laviolette brings decades of NHL experience to Los Angeles

The Kings are turning to one of the NHL’s most experienced coaches. According to ESPN, Los Angeles is signing Laviolette to a three-year contract. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic also reported that the deal will run for three seasons.

Laviolette did not coach last season after leaving the New York Rangers following the 2024-25 season. Over 23 seasons as an NHL head coach, Laviolette has worked with the Islanders, Hurricanes, Flyers, Predators, Capitals and Rangers.

He has coached 1,594 NHL games and owns an 846-562-161 record with 14 playoff appearances. Laviolette won the Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006 and later led both Philadelphia and Nashville to the Stanley Cup Final.

He takes over a Kings team that reached the playoffs last season but was swept by Colorado in the opening round. Los Angeles made a coaching change after moving on from Jim Hiller with D.J. Smith guiding the team through the remainder of the season on an interim basis.

The Kings will now hope Laviolette’s experience can help them move beyond the early playoff exits that have followed the franchise in recent years.