World Cup Group F Guide, Predictions & Odds

The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, allowing nations that previously could not have dreamed of qualifying to have their moment on the biggest stage in sport.

The likes of Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will make their debuts at the tournament following successful qualifying campaigns.

Thanks to the expanded format, we also have a number of nations making their returns to the World Cup, including Sweden, who are preparing to compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Find out what MrFixitsTips has to say about Group F ahead of the 2026 World Cup, including predictions, tactics, and odds.

Which teams are in Group F of the 2026 World Cup?

Netherlands

Current FIFA ranking: 7

The Netherlands head into the World Cup with a squad capable of beating anyone on their day, but questions remain over whether they can actually turn potential into silverware.

The Dutch possess a mix of experience and youth, with leaders such as Virgil van Dijk competing alongside young talents such as Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong. However, inconsistency in key moments has been an issue which has often prevented Oranje from making the final step towards success.

Manager and tactics

Ronald Koeman has brought stability back to the national side, leaning towards a pragmatic style that balances attacking freedom with a solid defensive organisation.

The Netherlands are most comfortable in a 4-3-3 system, using width and quick transitions to create chances while relying on technically talented midfielders to control the ball. Their biggest concern could be the lack of a world-class centre-forward.

Japan

Current FIFA ranking: 18

Japan arrive at the World Cup as one of the strongest nations to represent Asia, and have built a reputation for causing problems for elite opponents.

The Samurai Blue combine technical quality with relentless energy, and their impressive performances in recent tournaments have shown they are capable of competing with the world’s best.

Manager and tactics

Hajime Moriyasu has turned Japan into a well-organised and tactically flexible side that is comfortable both with and without the ball.

Japan often line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick passing, smart movement and quick counter-attacks. Their discipline and work rate make them difficult to break down, but a lack of physicality compared to some of the tournament favourites could become an issue should they progress into the knockout stage.

Sweden

Current FIFA ranking: 38

Sweden head into the World Cup as a physically strong and well-drilled side, but they arrive with uncertainty after a number of turbulent years. Their recent struggles have raised questions about whether they can once again challenge elite opposition.

The Blagult still have quality in key areas, with Alexander Isak offering a cutting edge in attack and Dejan Kulusevski providing creativity from wide areas. However, there is a growing concern that Sweden lack enough depth and consistent goalscoring options to compete.

Manager and tactics

Graham Potter is still very new to the national team, but he has already built structure, organisation and collective discipline – qualities which came to light as Potter oversaw a success in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Sweden typically operate in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 shape, focusing on compact defensive lines and quick transitions when opportunities arise. Their main challenge is creativity in possession, as they can sometimes become too predictable when chasing games against stronger teams.

Tunisia

Current FIFA ranking: 44

Tunisia arrive at the World Cup as one of Africa’s most successful and defensively organised sides, with a reputation for making life difficult for higher-ranked opponents.

The Eagles of Carthage rely on structure and strong collective spirit rather than individual stardom. However, Tunisia often struggle to create consistent chances against elite defences, which can limit their impact in tight matches.

Manager and tactics

Sabri Lamouchi took over the national side last January following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The former Nottingham Forest manager has not had a lot of time to put his stamp on the team, but Tunisia generally focus on defensive stability.

Tunisia usually set up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing for quick counter-attacks when opportunities arise. Their biggest concern is a lack of cutting edge in the final third, which could prove decisive in closely contested matches.

2026 World Cup Group F group winners and qualification predictions

Group F winner odds

• Netherlands (5/6)
• Japan (7/2)
• Sweden (5/1)
• Tunisia (10/1)

Group F qualification odds

• Netherlands (1/10)
• Japan (1/3)
• Sweden (4/9)
• Tunisia (13/10)

2026 World Cup Group F fixtures and odds

Matchday 1

Netherlands vs Japan

• Netherlands (21/20)
• Draw (11/4)
• Japan (27/10)

Sweden vs Tunisia

• Sweden (19/20)
• Draw (5/2)
• Tunisia (10/3)

Matchday 2

Netherlands vs Sweden

• Netherlands (7/10)
• Draw (3/1)
• Sweden (17/4)

Tunisia vs Japan

• Tunisia (18/5)
• Draw (12/5)
• Japan (17/20)

Matchday 3

Japan vs Sweden

• Japan (TBC)
• Draw (TBC)
• Sweden (TBC)

Tunisia vs Netherlands

• Tunisia (TBC)
• Draw (TBC)
• Netherlands (TBC)

Note: All above odds were correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 

Looking at this group, few people would bet against Netherlands finishing in top spot. What's more, Oranje are currently priced at tasty 5/6 odds to come out on top.

The big battle for second place will likely feature Sweden and Japan, especially if both teams win their games against Tunisia. Their head-to-head game comes on matchday three of Group F, meaning we could have a thriller on our hands.

Bookmakers around the world offer countless different markets and options for bettors, so be sure to check out our guide to the best World Cup betting apps before the tournament kicks off.

Predicted finishing order

• Netherlands
• Japan
• Sweden
• Tunisia

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