The Netherlands will headline Group F alongside Japan, widely considered Asia’s strongest contender aiming for a deep run in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Tunisia, making their third consecutiveappearance, will look to finally break into the knockout rounds. All three nations await the final entrant, which will emerge from the UEFA Playoff Path B in March, featuring Sweden, Ukraine, Poland, or Albania.
The Netherlands, three-time Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010), were eliminated in the quarterfinals in Qatar. They open their campaign against Japan, who are playing in their eighth successive World Cup.
GROUP F
1. The Netherlands
Fixtures (All Times are in IST)
Vs Japan, June 15, 1:30 AM, Dallas Stadium, Dallas.
Vs UEFA Play-Off B (Sweden, Ukraine, Poland, Albania), June 20, 10.30 PM, Houston Stadium, Houston.
Vs Tunisia, June 26, 04.30 AM, Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City
Previous best
Three-time runners-up in 1974, 1978, and 2010.
How they qualified
Finished as table toppers in Group G of the UEFA World Cup Qualification, remaining unbeaten with six wins and two 1-1 draws (both against Poland).
Key player
Memphis Depay. The 31-year-old forward, currently playing in the Brazilian League for Corinthians, consistently performs better for the national team than for his clubs. With eight goals and four assists in the eight qualifying games, he is crucial for the Oranje attack.
Coaching credentials
Ronald Koeman began his first tenure in 2018, leading the team to the 2018–19 Nations League final and qualification for Euro 2020. Since returning in January 2023, he guided the squad to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, their first major semi-final since the 2014 World Cup, before losing to England.
Likely breakthrough star
Xavi Simons. The dynamic, high-output attacker has already impressed in the Bundesliga and now plies his trades for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premiere League and for the national team. His potent combination of dribbling ability, vision, and high work rate makes him a defensive headache, and he has the temperament to thrive on the biggest stage.
Realistic expectations
The initial challenge will be overcoming gritty Japan and the qualified European side. With a balanced squad featuring talents like Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Frenkie De Jong, the Netherlands have the potential to improve upon their quarter-final exit from the last edition.
Japan
Fixtures (All times are in IST)
Vs The Netherlands, June 15, 1:30 AM, Dallas Stadium, Dallas.
Vs Tunisia, June 20, 9:30 AM, Estadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe, Mexico.
Vs UEFA Playoff B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania), June 26, 4:30 AM, AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
Previous best
Reaching the Round of 16, four times: in 2002 (as co-hosts), 2010, 2018, and 2022.
How they qualified
Japan comfortably secured a record eighth consecutive global finals appearance. They breezed through the second round by winning all six matches with an astonishing 24-0 goal difference, securing passage with three games remaining.
Key player
Takefusa Kubo. Arguably Japan’s brightest attacking talent, Kubo is the most likely candidate to become their global star. His consistent, high-level performance in La Liga, combined with his crucial goal contributions and assists, makes him a vital cog for the Samurai Blue.
Coaching credentials
Hajime Moriyasu is known for managing generational change and tactical flexibility (often favoring a 3-4-2-1 setup). His tenure includes finishing as 2019 AFC Asian Cup runners-up and achieving historic 2-1 wins over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, earning him the AFC Coach of the Year award. He is the first Japanese coach to be retained post-World Cup.
Likely breakthrough star
Kaoru Mitoma. Already established through the Premier League, Mitoma could be Japan’s breakout star next June. His unique, devastating dribbling style and sheer acceleration make him one of the hardest wingers in the world to contain, offering essential individual brilliance on the flank.
Realistic expectations
With the 2026 tournament including a Round of 32, the realistic minimum expectation for a team of Japan’s quality is to progress to the Round of 16 and finally break their historical ceiling by targeting a quarter-final spot.
Tunisia
Fixtures (All times are in IST)
Vs UEFA Playoff B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania), June 15, 07.30 AM, Estadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe, Mexico.
Vs Japan, June 20, 09.30 AM, Estadio BBVA Bancomer, Guadalupe, Mexico.
Vs The Netherlands, June 26, 04.30 AM, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.
Previous best
Despite seven appearances (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022), the “Eagles of Carthage” have never advanced past the first round (Group Stage).
How they qualified
Tunisia secured qualification by dominating their African (CAF) group, finishing with an almost perfect record: nine wins and one draw out of ten matches. Remarkably, they did not concede a single goal throughout their entire qualifying campaign.
Key player
Ellyes Skhiri. His tireless work rate, defensive discipline, and ball-winning ability for Eintracht Frankfurt make him the indispensable midfield shield and defensive anchor for Tunisia.
Coaching credentials
Sami Trabelsi, a World Cup player-turned-coach, leads the squad. His calm, pragmatic style emphasizes defensive organization, which was clearly evident in the team’s zero-goals-conceded run during qualification.
Likely breakthrough star
Hannibal Mejbri. The young midfielder, currently on loan at Burnley FC, is the dynamic attacker who offers flair and creative brilliance. He is poised to become the global breakthrough name by unlocking defences in the tournament.
Realistic expectations
Their most ambitious, yet realistic, goal is to leverage the expanded format to advance to the Round of 32 or Round of 16 for the first time in their history, relying heavily on their defensive structure and ability to cause upsets.
GROUP PREDICTION
1 Netherlands
2 Japan
3 UEFA Playoff B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania)
4 Tunisia
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