2026 FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Finish Top of Group F as Sweden Join Japan in Knockout Stage
The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F after a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia, while Sweden booked their place in the Round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Japan.
The Dutch made a flying start against Tunisia in Kansas City, taking the lead after just three minutes when Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri turned a cross from Denzel Dumfries into his own net.
Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage four minutes later, scoring his third goal of the tournament after a header from captain Virgil van Dijk was played across goal.
The Netherlands controlled the match and created numerous chances, finishing with 20 shots.
Tunisia pulled a goal back in the second half through Hazem Mastouri, who headed home from a corner after a defensive error by the Dutch.
However, the Netherlands restored their two-goal lead when defender Jan Paul van Hecke nodded in from a corner, with the ball taking a slight deflection on its way into the net.
The victory ensured that coach Ronald Koeman’s side finished top of Group F and set up a last-32 clash with Morocco.
Tunisia ended their disappointing campaign at the bottom of the group, having lost all three matches and conceded 12 goals.
In the other Group F fixture, Sweden came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Japan and secure their place in the knockout rounds.
After a quiet first half, Japan took the lead in the 56th minute when Daizen Maeda finished off a fine move involving Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan.
Sweden responded just six minutes later through Anthony Elanga, who scored a stunning long-range effort on his first start of the tournament.
The Newcastle United winger cut inside from the left before firing a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Sweden pushed for a winner late on, with Elanga and Alexander Isak both testing Suzuki, but Japan held on to secure second place in the group.
The result means Japan will face Brazil in the Round of 32, while Sweden, under coach Graham Potter, have also progressed and will discover their opponents later.
Group F Final Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1. | Netherlands national football team | 7 |
| 2. | Japan national football team | 5 |
| 3. | Sweden national football team | 4 |
| 4. | Tunisia national football team | 0 |
Qualified: Netherlands, Japan
Qualified as one of the best third-placed teams: Sweden
Eliminated: Tunisia
