An eclectic mix where anyone could break out of the group.
Group F now with the Dutch, the Japanese, the Swedes, and the Tunisians. It feels like a World Cup group from the 00s or an incredible-sounding world cuisine buffet.
Netherlands
The manager
Ronald Koeman. During both stints as manager, he has got the Netherlands to the final of the Nations League (losing in 2019 to Portugal) and the semi-finals of Euro 2024 (losing to England). Considering they missed a few major tournaments prior to both, it’s a return to form.
Last World Cup
2022. The Netherlands reached the quarter-finals and faced Argentina in what became known as the Battle of Lusail due to the physicality of the match. Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz gave 18 yellow cards and 1 red which is a record for most cards in a World Cup game. It ended in a 2–2 draw but Argentina won on penalties.
Who’s getting the goals
Memphis Depay is the all-time goalscorer and you’d expect him to add to his tally of 55. Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen, and Wout Weghorst will be on hand too and maybe Virgil van Dijk can pop up with a header from a corner.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Anything that Peter Molyneux makes. Iconic for sure but a lot of show and not enough tell when it’s mattered so you’re never quite sure if it’s gonna be The One this time.
Japan
The manager
Hajime Moriyasu. He’s been in charge since 2018 and reached the knockout stages of two World Cups and the 2019 Asian Cup final (losing to Qatar). It’s going to be tough in this group though.
Last World Cup
2022. They famously beat Germany and Spain to make it out of the group but lost to Croatia on penalties in the next round.
Who’s getting the goals
Ayase Ueda. 26 in 40 for Feyenoord makes him a massive threat against the teams in Group F, especially the Dutch players who play in the Eredivisie who watched him score against them. Daichi Kamada doesn’t have a great scoring record for Crystal Palace but he does for Japan so look out for him. Kōki Ogawa, Junya Itō, and Keito Nakamura are some names to watch for too.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Golden Sun. Constantly talked about amongst fans and believers and great to experience, but we’re still waiting for something new, going further than ever before. Maybe this year?
Sweden
The manager
Graham Potter. Yes, the former Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham manager. He joined Sweden in 2025 and got them into this World Cup through the playoffs. Given his domestic woes post-Brighton, he’s hoping to get out of this group to reverse the decline.
Last World Cup
2018. They finished top of their group despite losing to Germany (who finished bottom) and beat Switzerland in the round of 16 before falling to England in the quarter finals.
Who’s getting the goals
Viktor Gyökeres. He scored goals for fun at Sporting (and I still miss him) and while he hasn’t had quite as much freedom for Arsenal, he still managed 21 in 55 and won the Premier League and a Champions League runners-up medal. Alexander Isak had a season to forget with Liverpool but maybe the US sunshine will revitalise him (here’s coping).
If they were a video game, they would be…
Sonic. More the franchise than any individual game. Iconic in the early days and always amongst the top names but with big highs come massive lows. What can we expect this time around?
Tunisia
The manager
Sabri Lamouchi. The French-born Tunisian had an amazing club career and played 12 times for France before retiring in 2009 and eventually finding his way into management. He only joined Tunisia in January so not much to assess there.
Last World Cup
2022. A win, a loss, and a draw saw them finish 3rd but they did get a win against France in the last match, for pride if nothing else.
Who’s getting the goals
Erm, good question. They’ve scored just twice in their last five this year and failed to score in their last 3 friendlies. They were much more prolific in 2025 so they’ll want to reclaim that time if they want to play knockout stage football. If Tunisia roll the dice, hopefully one of Firas Chaouat, Elias Achouri, Elias Saad, and Hazem Mastouri can land on a double.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Runescape. Pioneering in many ways but perhaps not as popular or successful outside of its player hub. Could a newer edition break them out of that shell?