Netherlands tops Group 6, Japan grabs second as Sweden squeezes through to last 32 of World Cup 2026

Group 6 finale

Netherlands topped Group 6 with 7 points after a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. Japan secured second place with 5 points following a 1-1 draw with Sweden, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. Tunisia bowed out without a point.

Netherlands7

Japan5

Sweden4

Tunisia0

Netherlands

7

Japan

5

Sweden

4

Tunisia

0

Data from the article text

Netherlands sail past Tunisia

The Dutch took control almost immediately. An own goal from Montassar Skiri just 142 seconds in, inadvertently turning in Denzel Dumfries' cross, gave them the lead. Brian Brobbey doubled it in the 7th minute, slotting home after Virgil van Dijk's headed assist.

“Just 142 seconds from kickoff, the Netherlands were 1-0 up against Tunisia.”

Tunisia pulled one back in the 54th minute when Youssef Mastouri headed in Hannibal Mejbri's corner, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal cushion eight minutes later with a header from Tijani Reijnders' delivery.

Japan hold Sweden, both progress

Japan and Sweden played to a 1-1 draw that suited both sides. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead in the 56th minute after slick passing, but Anthony Elanga levelled nine minutes later with a spectacular shot from a wide angle. Sweden's Alexander Isak twice came close to a winner, but Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki denied him with sharp saves.

“Graham Potter's Sweden is one of the best third-placed teams and is already making plans for the last 32.”

Knockout path

Japan, as group runner-up, now meet Carlos Ancelotti's Brazil, who boast Neymar. Netherlands will face Morocco. Sweden await their last-32 opponent from the second-place pool.