Group F of the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive groups, with the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia all harbouring realistic hopes of reaching the knockout stages. The Netherlands, despite lacking the attacking depth of previous generations, boast a formidable defence and midfield, making them favourites to top the group. However, they face stiff competition from a talented Japanese side ranked 18th in the world, a Swedish team with outstanding forwards, and a resilient Tunisian outfit.
The expanded 48-team format adds an intriguing twist, as finishing third could be more advantageous than second, where Brazil likely await in the round of 32. This creates a strong incentive to win the group, promising exciting matches. The Netherlands open their campaign against Tunisia on 26 June at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk anchors a defence that includes Jurrien Timber, Micky van de Ven, and Denzel Dumfries, with depth from Nathan Ake, Jorrel Hato, and Jan Paul van Hecke. Midfield is equally impressive, featuring Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, and Tijjani Reijnders, though Xavi Simons is ruled out through injury. Up front, Donyell Malen, who scored 14 goals on loan at Roma, is expected to lead the line.
Japan, buoyed by consecutive knockout appearances and wins over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, are a well-organised side full of energy and technical skill. They beat England at Wembley in March and are tipped as dark horses. Ayase Ueda won the Eredivisie Golden Boot with 25 goals for Feyenoord, but Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma will miss the tournament through injury.
Key players for the Netherlands include Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch, whose form has been inconsistent but remains elite in his role, and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, a breakout talent known for his pace and trickery. The Dutch are priced at 20/1 to win the World Cup.
