Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia. A heavyweight group: the Netherlands and Japan are both top-15 sides, Sweden arrive with a frightening strike force, and Tunisia are organised and awkward.

Key stats of each team

Below are numbers from each team's recent matches, computed from the ScanGoal database. Each card ends with auto-insights — what stands out in the data.

Netherlands Netherlands last 12 months · 11 matches
Goals for/game2.7
Goals against/game0.6
Over 2.5 goals55%
Both teams score45%
Corners/game6.2
Yellow cards/game0.5
Shots on target/game5.9
What the numbers say
  • a tight defence — just 0.6 conceded per game
  • a strong attack — 2.7 goals per game
  • works the flanks — 6.2 corners per game
  • disciplined — only 0.5 yellows per game
Source: ScanGoal database (national-team matches, last 12 months)
Japan Japan last 12 months · 11 matches
Goals for/game1.7
Goals against/game0.6
Over 2.5 goals27%
Both teams score27%
Corners/game5.1
Yellow cards/game1.1
Shots on target/game6.4
What the numbers say
  • tilts under: under 2.5 goals in 73% of games
  • a tight defence — just 0.6 conceded per game
  • often one-sided for goals: both teams score in just 27%
  • disciplined — only 1.1 yellows per game
Source: ScanGoal database (national-team matches, last 12 months)
Sweden Sweden last 12 months · 12 matches
Goals for/game1.6
Goals against/game1.9
Over 2.5 goals58%
Both teams score67%
Corners/game4.5
Yellow cards/game1.8
Shots on target/game4.2
What the numbers say
  • a high-scoring side: over 2.5 goals in 58% of games
  • goals at both ends — BTTS in 67% of games
Source: ScanGoal database (national-team matches, last 12 months)
Tunisia Tunisia last 12 months · 17 matches
Goals for/game1.6
Goals against/game0.9
Over 2.5 goals47%
Both teams score41%
Corners/game5.2
Yellow cards/game1.6
Shots on target/game4.3
Source: ScanGoal database (national-team matches, last 12 months)

Form going in

Netherlands Netherlands — recent form DWWDL
03.06.26Netherlands 0:1 AlgeriaFriendlies
31.03.26Netherlands 1:1 EcuadorInternational Match
27.03.26Netherlands 2:1 NorwayInternational Match
17.11.25Netherlands 4:0 LithuaniaNations League
14.11.25Poland 1:1 NetherlandsNations League
Japan Japan — recent form WWWWW
31.05.26Japan 1:0 IcelandInternational Match
31.03.26England 0:1 JapanInternational Match
28.03.26Scotland 0:1 JapanFriendlies
14.11.25Japan 2:0 GhanaFriendlies
14.10.25Japan 3:2 BrazilFriendlies

Who goes through

The Netherlands have the most complete squad and should advance first. Japan, fast and fluid, are favourites for second over a Sweden side that can outscore anyone but also leaks. Tunisia will make every game ugly.

Dark horse & possible upset

Sweden are the dark horse with the highest ceiling: if their forwards click, they can win the group. The likeliest upset is Sweden's attacking numbers simply overwhelming Japan in a shootout.

Squads: call-ups & shocks

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman caused a stir by leaving out Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong; injuries also ruled out Xavi Simons (ACL), Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij, while Joshua Zirkzee missed the cut. All-time top scorer Memphis Depay returns for a fourth World Cup and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville is the lone debutant, behind captain Virgil van Dijk. Source: ESPN.

Betting angles

Sweden and Japan profiles lean heavily to overs and BTTS; Tunisia drag games under. This is one of the best overs/BTTS groups on the board — but pick the fixtures carefully.

Remember: totals, corners and cards are markets where our national-team data is most useful. Cross-check live odds and our Value Picks of the day; the handicap mechanics are covered in our Asian handicap guide.

Analysis only. Betting is 18+, please gamble responsibly.