Track Tickets
Group F served up a dramatic late twist and an unexpected goal-fest on matchday one. The Netherlands looked set to open with a win over Japan, only to be pegged back in the closing minutes, while Sweden announced themselves with an emphatic 5-1 rout of Tunisia. Here is how the group stands and what comes next.
Netherlands 2-2 Japan: Kamada's Late Leveller Denies Oranje
Ronald Koeman's Netherlands were on course for three points at a colourful, orange-tinged AT&T Stadium — backed by an enthusiastic mix of travelling Dutch fans and locals — but they could not see the job out. After a goalless first half in which Donyell Malen, preferred up front to Memphis Depay, was twice denied by Zion Suzuki, the game came alive after the break.
Virgil van Dijk rose to head the Netherlands in front, and although Japan responded to level, Crysencio Summerville restored Oranje's lead on just his third cap to make it 2-1. Koeman switched to a back five to protect the advantage, but it backfired: with the clock showing 89 minutes, Daichi Kamada climbed highest from a corner to head home a 2-2 equaliser and snatch a point for Japan. Relive it on our Netherlands vs Japan page.
Sweden 5-1 Tunisia: Isak and Gyökeres Run Riot
If the Netherlands disappointed, Sweden made a statement in Monterrey. The lowest-ranked side in the group, who only reached the finals via the European play-offs, were 2-0 up inside half an hour — Yasin Ayari lashing home after seven minutes before Liverpool's Alexander Isak added a second.
Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback with a goal carrying a Dutch flavour: The Hague-born Rekik, younger brother of former Netherlands international Karim Rekik, headed in at the far post to make it 2-1. But Sweden pulled clear after the break. Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres punished a defensive error for 3-1, Mattias Svanberg added a fourth (awarded after a VAR check using the chip inside the ball confirmed Isak had kept him onside), and Ayari completed his brace in stoppage time for a stunning 5-1 win. See the full result on our Sweden vs Tunisia page.
How Group F Looks After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweden | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 3 |
| 2 | Netherlands | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Japan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Tunisia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
It is Sweden, against most expectations, who lead the way thanks to their big win, with the Netherlands and Japan sharing the spoils and a point apiece. Tunisia have it all to do after a chastening opener. With the top two and the best third-placed sides advancing, though, plenty can still change.
What's Next in Group F
The schedule has handed up a far bigger test than the Netherlands might have expected for their second game. Netherlands vs Sweden in Houston now looks pivotal, with a buoyant Sweden side arriving on the back of five goals and Oranje desperate to bounce back. Elsewhere, Tunisia and Japan meet in Monterrey in a game both will see as crucial to their qualification hopes. For everything on Koeman's side, visit our Netherlands World Cup tickets page.
Be There for the Drama
Group F already has late drama, a five-goal haul and plenty still to play for. Browse every available fixture on our World Cup 2026 tickets page and secure your seat before the biggest games sell out.
