World Cup 2026: Netherlands top Group F, Japan to face Brazil in last 16 after draw with Sweden

Group F decider

All three qualification spots from Group F were settled in the early hours of 26 June. The Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all entered the final matchday with a chance to top the group, while Tunisia were already eliminated after heavy defeats to Sweden (5-1) and Japan (4-0). The Dutch controlled their own destiny and delivered a 3-1 victory over Tunisia to finish first with seven points. Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in Arlington, Texas, leaving Japan second on five points and Sweden third on four.

Netherlands7

Japan5

Sweden4

Tunisia0

Netherlands

7 points

Japan

5 points

Sweden

4 points

Tunisia

0 points

Data from the article text

Japan 1-1 Sweden

A cagey first half gave way to a livelier second period. Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead in the 56th minute with a well-worked team goal. The lead lasted only six minutes, as Anthony Elanga curled in a long-range equaliser for Sweden in the 62nd minute. Neither side could find a winner, and the draw suited both: Japan held on to second place, while Sweden's point was enough to rank among the eight best third-placed teams across the twelve groups.

Netherlands 3-1 Tunisia

The Netherlands, captained by Virgil van Dijk, took care of business against a Tunisian side that had conceded nine goals in its first two matches. Tunisia's new coach Hervé Renard, appointed after the opening loss, had called for "dignity and pride" from his players, but the Dutch proved too strong. The win confirmed top spot and a round-of-16 date with Morocco.

“Dignity and pride.”

Round of 16 matchups

The group outcome set two last-16 ties. Group winners the Netherlands will face Morocco, runners-up in Group C, on Tuesday 30 June at 3 a.m. in Monterrey, Mexico. Second-placed Japan will take on five-time champions Brazil on Monday 29 June at 7 p.m. in Houston, Texas. Sweden must wait until the group stage concludes to learn their opponent.

Past meetings

Brazil and Japan last met at a World Cup in 2006, when the Seleção won 4-1 in the group stage. Their most recent encounter was a friendly in Tokyo in October 2025, which Japan won 3-2. The Netherlands and Morocco faced each other at the 1994 World Cup, with the Dutch prevailing 2-1. Their last meeting, in May 2017, also ended 2-1 to the Netherlands.