By Tyler Erzberger0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.We are closing in on Mexico and South Africa opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it's time to start analyzing which teams will be the main characters this summer and which others are only here to make the others look good.
Group F is one of the most interesting quartets we'll see in the expanded 48-team field, as four teams not only believe they belong at the World Cup but also think they have what it takes to reach the knockout rounds as a top finisher.
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Game of the Group: Netherlands vs. Japan
What more could you ask for from a first game of a group?
The Netherlands is the strongest nation to never hoist the World Cup, and although they're not a heavy favorite to contend for it in 2026, the Oranje are always a dark horse to go all the way.
On the other hand, Japan might be the best overall team at the World Cup. While they only have a few names that stand out to you at an individual level -- and one of them, Kaoru Mitoma, didn't make the cut due to injury -- their cohesion makes them one of the most dangerous draws of any team in the tournament.
On paper, it should be a no-brainer that the Netherlands beat Japan, but here are their last few international results: 3-2 win vs. Brazil, 2-0 win vs. Ghana, 3-0 win vs. Bolivia, 1-0 win vs. Scotland, 1-0 win vs. England, 1-0 win vs. Iceland.
Japan simply win games, and manager Hajime Moriyasu knows how to turn gravel into lemonade at times.
Player of the Group: Alexander Isak (Sweden, Liverpool)
While the best game of the tournament is between the Netherlands and Japan, neither squad might have the best overall player in the group: that being Sweden's Isak.
Liverpool broke the British transfer fee record by paying Newcastle around $170 million to bring Isak over, and then the super talent had a dud first campaign with them due to injuries, scoring just three goals in 14 games.
Although he suffered a broken ankle in December, Isak feels like he's in strong condition heading into the World Cup.
If Sweden can get the $170 million version Liverpool sees in him, they could surprise and make a run for the top of an uber-competitive group.
...Group Prediction
This is one of the most fun groups to predict among the 12, and I am going to go against the chalk this time.
Although losing Mitoma is a big blow, that's the magic of the Japanese national team. They don't waver because one cog in the machine breaks; instead, they reload, cover for one another, and somehow strike back stronger.
I have Japan "upsetting" the Netherlands in the group opener and setting the tone for an explosive group that will see three of its teams make the Round of 32: Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Sorry, Tunisia, you're probably one of the best fourth-place teams at this World Cup.
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Tunisia