2026 World Cup: Group F preview, odds & predictions

2026 World Cup: Group F preview

Japan

Viewed as one of the biggest threats from Asia, Japan will see themselves as having a decent chance at shocking the world and winning Group F at the World Cup this summer.

Japan have won each of their last six international matches, with victories over the likes of Brazil and England in the last 12 months.

The Samurai Blue also come into this tournament with a lot of World Cup momentum too, having beaten both Germany and Spain, as well as Costa Rica, to win Group E.

With history of beating the big dogs, don't discount Japan causing an upset and winning Group F in this summer's North American World Cup.

Netherlands

The Netherlands head into this summer's tournament as the Group F favourites, and based on the roster Ronald Koeman has at his disposal, it's not hard to see why.

With the Liverpool trio of Virgil van Dijk at the back, Ryan Gravenberch in midfield and Cody Gakpo on the wing, as well as players from Tottenham, Inter Milan and Man City, the Dutch have Premier League winners and several with Champions League pedigree littered across their squad.

They haven't always performed well at major tournaments, but taking eventual World Cup 2022 winners Argentina to penalties at the tournament four years ago will give them confidence that they can give anyone a game this year.

Sweden

On paper, Sweden have a solid team with a lights-out attack. The strike partnership of Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, who play for two of England's biggest clubs, should be enough to challenge the best defences at this summer's tournament.

However, Graham Potter's side didn't have the easiest route to qualification, and a combination of poor form and injuries has meant that Sweden have largely failed to live up to expectations.

But with Gyokeres finding his form for Arsenal and Isak continuing to get match fit for Liverpool in the Premier League, the hope is that things click into gear in Canada, America and Mexico this summer.

Tunisia

On paper, Tunisia look like the outsiders in Group F: short on the star power of the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden, but stubborn enough to make every game a grind. Their qualification numbers were anything but weak, finishing unbeaten in CAF Group H, winning all but one of their matches.

However, that record only tells half the story. The route to the finals was almost flawless, but the build-up since has been more complicated. Tunisia went out to Mali on penalties in the last 16 of AFCON, with manager Sami Trabelsi sacked soon after, being replaced by Sabri Lamouchi.

The hope is that Lamouchi can add just enough thrust without losing the defensive edge that got Tunisia here. An unbeaten March break shows foundations are still solid, and while Tunisia have never gone beyond the World Cup group stage, this new format gives them a route to hang around. If they can drag their opponents into nervy games, the outsiders have enough about them to make Group F uncomfortable.

2026 World Cup: Group F odds & favourites

As explained, it's Netherlands who are the favourites to win Group F. However, with an assumed probability of just under 58%, the other three nations have a solid chance at causing an upset.

Japan could be worth a punt, based on their World Cup history and recent form. They have quality players and a team cohesion that is worth considering when betting on Group F for this summer's tournament.

Sweden aren't too far behind, but it'd take something quite drastic for them to upstage both Japan and Netherlands to win Group F. However, the expanded format mean that Sweden finishing as one of the best third-placed teams and reaching the knockout stages could well happen.

Tunisia are the outsiders, but they’ll pose a problem for any side in this group. For more, Ladbrokes' 2026 World Cup betting guide provides all the tips you need to place calculated, well-informed wagers on Group F.

2026 World Cup: Group F schedule

• Netherlands vs Japan (Sunday, 14 June - 21:00 BST)

• Sweden vs Tunisia (Monday, 15 June - 03:00 BST)

• Netherlands vs Sweden (Saturday, 20 June - 18:00 BST)

• Tunisia vs Japan (Sunday, 21 June - 06:00 BST)

• Japan vs Sweden (Friday, 26 June - 00:00 BST)

• Tunisia vs Netherlands (Friday, 26 June - 00:00 BST)

You can also find the full 2026 World Cup fixture schedule here.

2026 World Cup: Our Group F predictions

Predicted standings:

• 1) Netherlands

• 2) Japan

• 3) Sweden

• 4) Tunisia

While we considered going with Japan over the Netherlands, injuries to some of the Asian nation's key players means that we're tipping Holland for Group F glory in North America this summer.

That means that our Group F predictions align with Ladbrokes' odds for the group, with Netherlands and Japan finishing first and second respectively, with Sweden and Tunisia in third and fourth.

The good news for Sweden is that we're expecting them to make it through to the knockout phase as a result of being one of the best third-placed teams.

For more group previews ahead of this summer's tournament, check out our 2026 World Cup content hub.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.