World Cup – Group F Balance and fun to expect

The 2026 World Cup for Canada, USA and Mexico is fast approaching. La Presse presents to you over the next few days each of the 12 groups, for a record total of 48 teams. Today, group F.

There is no real group of death in this 48-team World Cup. But group F is certainly one of the toughest.

The Netherlands are a very high caliber European contender, who will aim for a long run at this World Cup. Japan will be one of the most exciting teams to see in the tournament. Sweden has solid talent and the potential to surprise. Tunisia, although neglected in this group, is capable of great moments, like this 2-1 victory against a rotating France during the 2022 edition.

The exciting clash between the Dutch and the Japanese on June 14 in Arlington, Texas, will give us a good overview of the trajectory that Group F will take this summer. The Oranje is the favorite, of course. But the Blue Samurai still beat Spain and Germany in Qatar in 2022. And more recently, they defeated the Scots in Glasgow and the English in London, in March. Don’t be surprised if Japan makes it far.

The Netherlands

Expectations

Barring a collapse, the Netherlands should be favorites to win this group F. Coach Ronald Koeman has one of the most complete teams at this World Cup on hand. Its defense is elite, with titan Virgil van Dijk. Even at 34, this indisputable starter at Liverpool in central defense is one of the best in the world in his position.

The key player

Cody Gakpo. Beyond van Dijk, the Dutch’s offensive success will come through another Liverpool player, Cody Gakpo. This left winger is a fine fox in the final third, but he will need Memphis Depay in top form to make his actions come true.

Japan

Expectations

After his success in the group of death in 2022, his defeat against Croatia in the eighth was enough to disappoint hopes. But this time, Japan is ripe for a major tournament which will take place in North America. The Japanese style of play, based on the collective with high and intense pressing, should give a tough time. His greatest strength is his speed in transition, after absorbing the opposing game.

The key player

Takefusa Kubo. The recent loss of Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) to injury will hurt the Japanese. So let’s turn to Takefusa Kubo, creative midfielder for Real Sociedad in Spain. His moments of genius on the ball will be difficult to contain, even for the best opposing defenders.

Suède

Expectations

Already, Sweden’s presence at this World Cup is a miracle. She finished last in her group in qualifying, without any victory. But her performances in the European Nations League gave her a place in the play-offs where she defeated Ukraine and Poland to qualify. Despite defensive problems, the talent of this team could allow it to sneak into the elimination round.

The key player

Viktor Gyökeres. The Arsenal striker is the best player in this Swedish team. If Alexander Isak (Liverpool) can return to health by June, Sweden will have very good offensive assets.

Tunisia

Expectations

Let’s be honest, the great teams facing Tunisia will offer them a complicated journey. But if the Eagles of Carthage (what a nickname!) manage to maintain a tight defensive block and play their counter-attack well, a good result can very well occur. The challenge? It will lie in his ability to string together these good results over three matches.

The key player

Hannibal. The attacking midfielder, trained at Manchester United, has established himself on loan at Burnley in the Premier League since 2024. He is the most creative player in this Tunisian team.