FIFA World Cup: All you need to know about Group F

Netherlands open their tournament against Japan. Sweden brings strong historical tournament pedigree. Netherlands and Japan have the history and edge to qualify

Three-time finalists Netherlands and Asian giants Japan are favorites, facing a strong Sweden and African contenders Tunisia.

Netherlands will be competing at their 12th FIFA World Cup, with their best finishes being three second-place heartbreaks in 1974, 1978, and 2010. The European powerhouse was at the last tournament in Qatar.

Tunisia will be competing at their seventh World Cup, securing consecutive qualifications after bowing out of the group stage in Qatar. They have never gone beyond the group stage.

Japan will be competing in their eighth World Cup, consistently reaching the Round of 16, including a stellar knockout run at the last tournament in Qatar.

Sweden will be playing at their 13th FIFA World Cup, returning after missing out on the 2022 edition. Their best run at the tournament was a second-place finish on home soil in 1958.

The favorites to finish top two in this group are Netherlands and Japan, while Sweden may qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Groups A to L feature a mix of traditional heavyweights, historic rivalries, and four tournament debutants. Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 32.