2026 FIFA World Cup Group F Overview: Teams, Schedule, Standings, and Fixtures

Group F Teams and Match Schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off soon, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s the largest tournament yet with 48 teams competing. Group F consists of Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and Sweden. Six group-stage matches will take place in venues including Arlington and Guadalupe, with two or three teams advancing to the knockout rounds.

Match Dates and Venues for Group F

• June 14, 4 p.m. ET: Netherlands vs. Japan at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
• June 14, 10 p.m. ET: Sweden vs. Tunisia at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
• June 20, 1 p.m. ET: Netherlands vs. Sweden at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
• June 21, 12 a.m. ET: Tunisia vs. Japan at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
• June 25, 7 p.m. ET: Tunisia vs. Netherlands at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• June 25, 7 p.m. ET: Japan vs. Sweden at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

How Ties Will Be Decided in Group F

If teams finish level on points, FIFA's rules apply these tiebreakers in order:

• Head-to-head results between the tied teams
• Goal difference from those head-to-head games
• Goals scored in those head-to-head games
• If still tied, overall goal difference in all group matches
• Goals scored in all group matches
• Team conduct score based on yellow and red cards
• FIFA world ranking as a final measure

Advancement for Third-Place Teams

Because the 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams, the top eight third-place teams across all groups also move into the Round of 32. Their ranking is determined by points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct score, and FIFA ranking.

Profiles of Group F Teams

Netherlands

Known for their history of near misses, the Netherlands have lost more finals than any team without a World Cup title. After falling in the Qatar quarterfinals via penalties to Argentina, the Oranje finished unbeaten in qualifying. Ronald Koeman leads them again after returning as coach in 2023. Key players include Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo.

FIFA Ranking: 7 | Regional Rank (UEFA): 5th | World Cup Appearances: 11 (last in 2022)

Japan

Japan qualified early with an impressive run in AFC qualifying. This marks their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. They have reached the Round of 16 multiple times but never advanced further. Hajime Moriyasu remains in charge with midfield anchor Wataru Endo and attacker Takefusa Kubo as standouts. Kaoru Mitoma’s injury is a notable loss.

FIFA Ranking: 18 | Regional Rank (AFC): 1st | World Cup Appearances: 7 (last in 2022)

Tunisia

Tunisia has become a regular World Cup participant, earning their seventh appearance and third consecutive qualification. They dominated CAF qualifying without conceding a goal. New coach Sabri Lamouchi inherits a strong, well-organized side featuring Elias Achouri and Hannibal Mejbri.

FIFA Ranking: 44 | Regional Rank (CAF): 7th | World Cup Appearances: 6 (last in 2022)

Sweden

Sweden secured their spot through playoffs, defeating Poland and Ukraine. Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they rely on Viktor Gyokeres and hope Liverpool’s Alexander Isak recovers from injury. Coach Graham Potter, who has ties to Swedish football, guides a youthful squad with several players in their prime.

FIFA Ranking: 38 | Regional Rank (UEFA): 19th | World Cup Appearances: 12 (last in 2018)

Watching the 2026 World Cup

In the U.S., Fox holds English-language broadcast rights. Streaming is available through Fubo, which offers a free trial. Other countries have different broadcasters: TSN and Amazon Prime in Canada, BBC and ITV in the UK, SBS in Australia. India’s coverage details are not yet announced.

Group F Knockout Stage Path

The Group F winner will face the runner-up from Group C in the Round of 32. The runner-up in Group F takes on Group C’s winner. If Group F’s third-place team qualifies among the top eight third-place teams, they could be placed in one of five possible knockout spots, which will only be clear once all third-placed teams are known.

Key Knockout Matches Involving Group F Teams

• June 29, 9 p.m. ET: Group F winner vs. Group C runner-up at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe
• June 29, 1 p.m. ET: Group C winner vs. Group F runner-up at NRG Stadium, Houston

The knockout rounds progress quickly, with Round of 16 matches starting July 4 and quarterfinals set for July 9-11. Semifinals will be held July 14-15, followed by the third-place match and final in mid-July.