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The countdown to kick-off at World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is almost over. The 48 qualifying teams in an expanded tournament prepare to shine on the sport's biggest stage.
The best nations are here to win the World Cup; most would view a place in the knockout rounds as a decent return, while a few are happy just to take part.
Flashscore readers will notice our World Cup group betting series, where our expert content team introduces you to the best markets and odds. On this page, we focus on a mouth-watering Group F, which includes the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
Which side will bank the most points and progress as the winners of the pool? You can bet now.
The tried and trusted betting apps featured on this page have everything you need to wager on World Cup 2026. You can keep things simple and predict which team will top Group F or side with an underdog to qualify as runner-up.
There's even a betting market on which nation will end up at the bottom of the pile. This page is designed to help you make informed predictions.
Keep reading as football betting expert Frank Monkhouse covers Group F.
Group F at a glance
Group F includes the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
The Netherlands are odds-on favourites to progress as winners of the pool.
Japan are the current second favourites, with Sweden and Japan written off.
The opening match pairs the Netherlands and Japan in Arlington.
Sweden beat Poland to qualify through the playoffs.
Group winner and qualification
In this section of my in-depth review of World Cup 2026 Group F, I show which teams are expected to progress to the next phase, based on the latest betting odds.
Winner - The Netherlands won World Cup qualifying - European Group G and are the betting favourites to build on that by winning Group F in the United States.
Runner-up - If Group F goes the way that UKGC betting apps predict, Japan will follow the Netherlands through as runners-up.
Dark horse - Many will see Sweden as the dark horse, but they were hopeless in qualifying before sneaking in through the back door. Not a bet that interests me much.
Underdog - Tunisia are outsiders of four in the Group F betting. They finished top of qualifying - Africa Group H with an unbeaten record of nine wins and a draw.
Oranje's style of play and squad set them apart, but past showings at this level do little to inspire confidence. They certainly aren't one of the strongest favourites of the group phase, with Japan viewed as a real danger.
Team-by-team breakdown
I'll now cover each team involved in World Cup 2026 Group F in more detail, including each nation's strengths and weaknesses.
Netherlands
The Netherlands rank as the seventh-best international side on Planet Football, according to FIFA, and looked great in qualifying, finishing three points clear of Poland in second place.
They have the squad, leaders, and experience to go deep into this tournament, but do the Dutch have the character? The 8/11 offered on them winning Group F looks a little tight.
Netherlands vs Japan at the AT&T Stadium will likely decide the winner of this pool. If the Dutch beat the Japanese, their odds will plummet. If you rate Ronald Koeman's team, my advice would be to back them as early as possible.
Koeman arrives at the tournament dealing with several important absences that forced major adjustments to the squad. The most painful loss was Xavi Simons, who suffered a serious knee injury at the end of April after becoming one of the central pieces of the Dutch attack. Jerdy Schouten and Matthijs de Ligt also miss out, leaving gaps in midfield balance and defensive depth.
One of the most controversial decisions was leaving Jeremie Frimpong out of the final squad. Despite his talent and explosiveness in transition, Koeman prioritised players with more rhythm and continuity after the Liverpool wing-back spent long stretches injured this season. That decision leaves Denzel Dumfries as the only natural option on the right flank.
The return of Marten de Roon adds experience and defensive stability after Schouten’s injury, while Mats Wieffer earned his place thanks to his versatility and strong campaign in England. Justin Kluivert also made the final list despite only recently returning from knee surgery.
Even with the absences, the Netherlands still possess enough quality to challenge anyone in the tournament. Much will depend on whether Koeman can maintain balance between the team’s attacking talent and a defensive structure that has lost several important pieces before kickoff.
Strengths and weaknesses:
The Netherlands boast a world-class defence, conceding just four goals in qualifying.
Their squad is an excellent balance of youthful ambition and experience.
Oranje are always dangerous on the counter, quickly turning defence into attack.
Manager Ronald Koeman has campaigned at the highest level.
One weakness they must deal with is the lack of a world-class goalscorer.
Japan
All the talk pre-competition has focused on the Netherlands, and how they'll win Group F. I wouldn't write the Japanese off too quickly this summer.
They visited the UK earlier this year, beating Scotland 1-0 at Hampden and England by the same scoreline at Wembley. Samurai Blue are capable of finishing in pole position.
As mentioned earlier, I expect the team that tops the group will be the winner of Japan vs the Netherlands in the opener. The underdogs are ranked 18th in the world by FIFA.
Japan no longer arrive at World Cups hoping to surprise people. They have earned their place among the most respected national teams outside Europe and South America, and recent results against top-level opposition have only strengthened that reputation.
Moriyasu has continued to evolve the team since taking charge, moving toward a system with three central defenders that better suits the profile of the current squad. The result is a side that looks comfortable defending deep, pressing when necessary and attacking space at speed.
What has not changed is Japan's mentality. They remain a team built around intensity, organisation and quick transitions, but there is now more individual quality throughout the squad than in previous generations.
The biggest absence is Kaoru Mitoma. The Brighton winger misses the tournament through injury, depriving Japan of one of their most dangerous one-versus-one players and a key source of creativity in wide areas.
Even so, Japan are no longer dependent on one or two stars to make the difference. Across the pitch, they have players capable of producing decisive moments, making them one of the most dangerous outsiders in the tournament.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Japan's speed in transition makes them a constant danger in games.
Samurai Blue is one of the best-organised and coached teams in the world.
They boast a fantastic squad, including Mitoma, Kubo, and Endo.
Japan conceded just three goals in 10 qualifying matches.
A lack of physical size and strength may cost Japan against elite competition.
Sweden
Sweden arrive in the United States ranked 38th in the world by FIFA. That was surprising, considering they've been as high as second in the past.
The Blue and Yellow qualified for their 13th World Cup despite a terrible qualifying campaign. They were the worst team in Group B, losing four and drawing two of their six games.
In the playoffs, they beat Ukraine 3-1 on the road and Poland 3-2 in the final, despite being the underdogs. Will they show more fight or prove to be out of their depth this year?
Much of the attention around Sweden comes from the arrival of Graham Potter, who took over only months before the tournament after Jon Dahl Tomasson’s departure. The former Chelsea manager has barely had time to fully shape the team, meaning several tactical details still feel unresolved.
Potter surprised many with some of his squad decisions. Ken Sema returned despite a secondary role in Cyprus, largely because of the trust built between player and coach during their years together at Östersund. Elliot Stroud, meanwhile, could make his World Cup debut after impressing in Sweden, likely competing for a wing-back role despite usually playing higher up the pitch at club level.
Sweden were also dealt a significant setback when Emil Holm was ruled out through injury. The right-sided defender had been expected to play an important role, opening the door for MLS-based Herman Johansson, one of the breakout performers during the playoff campaign, to join the squad.
The absence of Roony Bardghji also generated debate after the youngster showed flashes of his talent in Spain this season. Sweden may miss that kind of one-against-one ability on the right side.
Up front, however, the talent is undeniable. Viktor Gyökeres arrives as the hero of the playoff run, while Alexander Isak is expected to lead the attack after an injury-hit season. One of the biggest questions is whether Potter eventually decides to use both strikers together.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Sweden are traditionally a well-organised and defensive team at World Cups.
The Blue and Yellow scored six goals in their two playoff games.
Teamwork and an incredible fighting spirit are Sweden's main strengths.
With a blistering counter-attack, opponents can never relax against Sweden.
They conceded a dozen goals in their six World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Tunisia
Very few World Cup betting experts, including the traders working at bet365, expect Tunisia to progress from Group F. However, it's far too early to write them off.
FIFA ranks The Eagles 44th in the world, but they were in the top 15 just 8 years ago. They are playing in their seventh World Cup, but it's worth noting that Tunisia has never advanced past the group stage. Will that continue?
Tunisia open against Sweden in Mexico, and I feel that could be the game that decides which nation finishes at the bottom of the pool. A winning start would change things for Tunisia.
Tunisia arrive with significant squad changes but the same competitive identity they have shown for years. The Eagles of Carthage remain a physical, defensive-minded side built to make matches uncomfortable, slow the tempo and punish mistakes through transitions or isolated attacking moments.
One of the key battles in the lineup is behind the striker, where Hannibal Mejbri currently looks favourite to start. The former Manchester United midfielder brings technique and unpredictability, although Anis Ben Slimane is also pushing strongly for that role.
The centre-forward position remains less convincing. Hazem Mastouri offers physical presence inside the box, while local league top scorer Firas Chaouat provides another option. One of the surprise inclusions is 18-year-old Rayan Elloumi, currently developing in MLS and viewed as a long-term project for the national team.
There were also a couple of notable omissions. Defender Alaa Ghram misses out after an injury-hit season in Ukraine, while talented young playmaker Louey Ben Farhat was surprisingly left out despite impressing in Germany’s second division.
Tunisia may not attract much attention heading into the tournament, but their defensive discipline and experience make them a team few opponents will enjoy facing.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Tunisia are very well organised and disciplined when out of possession.
Their size and shape make Tunisia a danger from set-pieces.
A high work rate and fighting spirit mean Tunisia will hold their own in the pool.
An experienced squad ensures nothing will catch Lamouchi's team by surprise.
One area where Tunisia come up short is a lack of firepower in attack.
Key players to watch
The betting apps featured on this page allow you to gamble on each match from the World Cup 2026. There are also several outright markets, including to win the World Cup, to win Group F, and to reach this summer's final.
You can also enjoy the player prop bets, including those listed below.
Golden Boot winner.
Team top scorers.
Most assists.
Player of the tournament.
Young player of the tournament.
Here are some players who could make a difference in Group F.
Virgil van Dijk: The Netherlands may lack an elite-level goalscorer, but they have quality in defence. Virgil van Dijk boasts a career spent playing at the top for both club and country. His experience and calmness under pressure will spread across the backline, keeping the team organised and reliable during their three group matches.
Takefusa Kubo: Takefusa Kubo heads into the 2026 World Cup as Japan’s biggest star and one of Asia’s most exciting talents. After developing at La Masia and establishing himself at Real Sociedad, the attacker has become the creative heartbeat of the Blue Samurai. His flair, vision and ability to unlock defences could prove crucial to Japan’s hopes in the tournament.
Viktor Gyökeres: Sweden’s prolific striker could become one of the standout names in the World Cup 2026 goalscorer markets. The 27-year-old arrives after a sensational debut season with Arsenal F.C., helping the Gunners win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. Powerful, aggressive, and clinical inside the box, Gyokeres has proven he can deliver on the biggest stages after starring in both Portugal and England. Equally dangerous running in behind or attacking crosses, the Swedish forward is a nightmare for defenders.
Hannibal Mejbri: He's not exactly a household name for football fans, but Tunisia's 23-year-old is a big character with even bigger ambitions. He has spent his career in Europe, playing for Man Utd, Birmingham, Sevilla, and Burnley. Born in France, Mejbri brings energy, aggression, and ability. He can spot the pass needed to get his team into advanced areas.
Group dynamics
Understanding the dynamics of Group F is every bit as useful to World Cup bettors as spotting the best players. The more you study the group, the more likely you are to land a winning bet and a profit. Gamblers must consider kick-off times, travel, injuries, weather, the officials, stadiums, and more. Here are some things to consider.
As mentioned earlier, I'm confident the winner of Japan vs the Netherlands on matchday one of Group F will decide which nation tops the pool. Victory for Japan would place them in a commanding position, and they have the organisation to defend any points lead.
The Netherlands play Sweden in Houston on matchday two. Oranje beat the Blue and Yellow 2-0 when these sides last met, and a repeat performance wouldn't surprise me. The Netherlands haven't lost to Sweden in two games.
Will followers of Group F enjoy a grandstand finish? Japan vs Sweden in Arlington will be exciting. Interestingly, the head-to-head stats show that Japan have never beaten Sweden, with three of the four matches ending in draws.
Group F predictions
Having studied the stats and trends, I'll now make my data-led predictions. Below, I go for a mix of strong bets and value. There's even a Group F forecast selection that'll appeal to gamblers who enjoy chasing a big-price winner.
Japan to win Group F @ 7/2 (bet365)
I believe traders made the right decision picking the Netherlands as the early favourites to win Group F. However, bookies have written off Japan too quickly for my liking, and there's a lot to like about the odds available on an upset.
After seeing Japan grind out friendly wins over England and Scotland this year, and remembering they reached the Round of 16 in 2022, I'm backing Japan to win Group F.
Netherlands to qualify @ 1/10 (bet365)
If you'd prefer to build a strong accumulator from the group stages, you may wish to add the Netherlands to your bets. OK, the price isn't ideal, but Oranje finishing first or second will secure a return. They're not exactly reliable, but the Netherlands should have enough to reach the knockout rounds.
The Netherlands' odds of qualifying are low, so I aim to improve those with a Group F forecast bet. After taking a chance on Japan to win the pool and advising the Netherlands to qualify, I'll combine the two in a 5/1 forecast.
With this bet, you'll land a profit if Japan ends in first place, with the Netherlands in second. You need that exact order to get this gamble over the line as a winner.
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