Group F features two European powerhouses in the Netherlands and Sweden, the unpredictable Japan, and an improving Tunisia. The Netherlands arrive as genuine contenders after their 2022 quarter-final. Sweden have deep quality throughout European competitions. Japan famously beat Germany and Spain in 2022 and will target another upset. Tunisia have been a consistent African qualifier.

🇳🇱 Netherlands

The Netherlands have one of the most impressive World Cup records without winning the trophy — finishing runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010. They have produced legends including Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit. In 2026 they arrive with a balanced squad built around Frenkie de Jong and a new generation of Dutch talent.

🇸🇪 Sweden

Sweden hosted and finished runners-up in the 1958 World Cup, losing to Brazil 5-2 in the final. In the modern era they reached the quarter-finals in 1994 and 2018. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's international career coincided with some of their best recent campaigns, and the post-Zlatan generation is finding its identity.

🇯🇵 Japan

Japan have consistently improved at each World Cup since their first appearance in 1998. Their 2022 campaign was extraordinary — beating Germany and Spain in the group stage before losing to Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16. They arrive in 2026 with genuine belief that a quarter-final is achievable.

🇹🇳 Tunisia

Tunisia are Africa's most frequent World Cup qualifiers with 6 appearances. In 2022 they beat defending champions France in the group stage — one of the great World Cup upsets — but were still eliminated on goal difference. They arrive in 2026 as one of the most tactically organised African sides in the tournament.