Sweden and Tunisia face must-win World Cup Group F clash after Netherlands-Japan draw
Both sides enter the match in Monterrey on the back of poor form, with Sweden winless in two and Tunisia having scored no goals in three successive outings.
A must-win scenario
Earlier on matchday, the Netherlands and Japan played out a 2-2 draw that demonstrated the quality of the group favourites. That result transforms this 12th fixture of the tournament into a contest neither side can afford to lose. A defeat would leave the loser with a steep path towards the knockout rounds, while even a draw would keep both teams waiting for a first victory in Group F.
Sweden’s prolonged slump
Sweden’s trajectory to the finals was far from smooth. Between June 2025 and March 2026 they failed to win a single match and eventually reached the tournament only via the playoff route. Victories over Ukraine and Poland in those playoffs briefly halted the slide, but they have since gone another two matches without a win. The lack of momentum leaves questions over their ability to handle the pressure of a pivotal group fixture.
Tunisia’s attacking drought
Tunisia, by contrast, qualified with relative ease from a forgiving CAF group phase, but recent form has been dire. They have won just one of their last seven internationals and have failed to score in three consecutive matches. The low point was a 5-0 thrashing by Belgium in their final warm-up friendly. The North African side must quickly rediscover their attacking edge if they are to trouble Sweden in Monterrey.
Match details
Kick-off at Estadio Monterrey is 8pm local time (10pm EDT, 3am BST, 12pm AEST).
