Group F wrapped up as one of the most competitive sections at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Netherlands finishing top, Japan in second, and Sweden claiming third place.
At Dallas Stadium, Japan were held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden.
Japan controlled possession for much of the match and finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Daizen Maeda. However, Sweden responded with greater attacking intent and found an equalizer just six minutes later, as Anthony Elanga produced a stunning strike in the 62nd minute to level the score.
The Samurai Blue, after finishing second thanks to this draw, will face Brazil in the next stage.
Meanwhile, at Kansas City Stadium, the Netherlands secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia.
The Dutch took the lead as early as the third minute when Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net. Just four minutes later, Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage by converting a pass from Virgil van Dijk.
With nothing left to lose, Tunisia pulled one back in the 54th minute through Hazem Mastouri. However, the Netherlands restored their two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute, with Jan Paul van Hecke scoring their third of the evening.
The Netherlands, as group winners, will face Morocco in the next round.
The final Group F standings saw the Netherlands finish first with seven points. Japan claimed second place with five points, while Sweden advanced in third with four points, sending all three teams through to the knockout stage. Tunisia, meanwhile, exited the tournament without collecting a single point.
