The Netherlands and Japan significantly boosted their chances of advancing to the Round of 32 from Group F after securing victories in their group-stage matches on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Tunisia became the first team in the group to be officially eliminated after suffering their second consecutive defeat.
The Netherlands delivered an emphatic performance by crushing Sweden 5-1 in Houston, while Japan produced a near-perfect display to defeat Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey.
With the results, Japan moved to four points, level with the Netherlands at the top of the Group F standings. Both teams also share an identical goal difference heading into the final round of group-stage matches.
Sweden remain in third place with three points, while Tunisia sit at the bottom of the table without a point from two matches.
In the decisive final group fixtures, Japan will face Sweden, who still have a chance of qualifying, while the Netherlands will take on an already-eliminated Tunisia side.
If both Japan and the Netherlands secure victories, the race for top spot in the group will be determined by goal difference.
Based on their performances so far, Japan have emerged as one of the most impressive teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their solid organization, tactical flexibility, and squad depth make the Samurai Blue a potentially serious threat to any opponent in the knockout rounds.
However, Sweden still have an opportunity to turn their campaign around. A victory over Japan in the final group match would send Sweden through to the knockout stage.
Convincing Dutch Victory
The Netherlands looked dominant against Sweden from the opening whistle. Ronald Koeman’s side immediately took control of the match and quickly found the breakthrough.
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice. Brobbey gave the Oranje the lead in the 5th and 17th minutes, while Gakpo extended the advantage with goals in the 47th and 54th minutes. The fifth Dutch goal was scored by Crysencio Summerville in the 89th minute.
Sweden’s only goal came through Anthony Elanga in the 59th minute.
“It feels amazing to contribute directly. As a team, I think we played very well. Everyone has a strong connection with each other, and we’re willing to fight for one another, which is the most important thing,” said Brobbey.
On the Swedish side, head coach Graham Potter admitted that his team had been outclassed.
“Sometimes you have to go through experiences like this. I didn’t expect the match to turn out this way, but we have to learn from it. We were facing a very good team,” he said.
Japan Dominate Tunisia
A few hours later, Japan demonstrated why they are considered Asia’s strongest team.
The Samurai Blue recorded a commanding 4-0 victory thanks to goals from Daichi Kamada in the 4th minute, Ayase Ueda in the 31st and 83rd minutes, and Junya Ito in the 69th minute.
Hajime Moriyasu’s squad displayed excellent discipline while operating in an effective 3-4-3 formation that allowed them to press aggressively and quickly regain possession.
Tunisia managed only 34 percent possession and struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Moriyasu praised his players for staying focused on their own game plan rather than becoming overly concerned with the opposition.
“We prepared very well for what we wanted to do and played aggressively. The players were able to perform at their highest level,” he said.
The defeat officially ended Tunisia’s World Cup campaign after conceding nine goals and scoring just once in two matches.
The appointment of Hervé Renard as head coach failed to change Tunisia’s fortunes at the tournament.***
