Group F of the 2026 World Cup now has its qualifiers. Netherlands, with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia, secured first place, while Japan, after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, took second. Sweden, meanwhile, must wait for the results from other groups to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the marquee match, the Dutch left no doubt. In the 3rd minute, a cross from Denzel Dumfries was deflected by Tunisian defender Ellyes Skhiri into his own net. Four minutes later, Tijjani Reijnders took a free kick that Virgil van Dijk headed on for Brian Brobbey to tap in. With a 2-0 lead, Netherlands controlled the rest of the first half, though unable to extend the advantage.
In the second half, Tunisia showed some fight: Hazem Mastouri headed in a corner from Hannibal Mejbri to pull one back. But the joy was short-lived. In the 68th minute, Jan Paul van Hecke, also with a header, made it 3-1. Shortly after, Reijnders hit the crossbar. The game wound down, and Netherlands took the win without further trouble.
In the other match, Japan and Sweden played out a tight contest. The Japanese opened the scoring in the 55th minute: Daizen Maeda, after a great combination, received the ball in the center of the area and beat Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström. But the lead lasted only six minutes: Anthony Elanga, with a powerful left-footed shot from the right, made it 1-1. Both teams pushed for a winner, but the score remained unchanged.
With these results, Netherlands finished first with 7 points and will face Morocco in the Round of 32 on Monday, June 29 at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey. Japan, second with 5 points, will take on Brazil the same day at NRG Stadium in Houston. Sweden, third with 4 points, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and awaits an opponent. Tunisia, meanwhile, ended their worst World Cup campaign: three losses, zero points, and last in the group.
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Para mí la Naranja Mecánica es el cáncer del fútbol, una máquina de explotar países como Túnez mientras ellos se bañan en guita. Suecia espera, pero los pueblos esperan las migajas que estos burgueses nos tiran. Yo creo que Japón es el único que no chorea como los europeos. ¡Aguante Japón carajo!
Para mí Países Bajos tiene raza y categoría, los demás son muertos. Japón clasificó porque Suecia es un desastre, pechos fríos. Si pasan los suecos, esto huele a vergüenza para el fútbol. Vamos Naranja Mecánica, a romperla toda, yo creo que los otros no dan la talla.