Netherlands, Japan and Sweden reach the World Cup 2026 knockout stage

The knockout participants from Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been decided. The Netherlands calmly beat Tunisia 3-1 and finished top of the group, while Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw.

The Netherlands advanced to the Round of 32 as group winners and will face Morocco. The match will be played in Monterrey.

Japan finished second and will now face Brazil. That match will take place on 29 June in Houston.

In the parallel game, Japan opened the scoring in the second half. Daizen Maeda found the net in the 56th minute, finishing off a quick and well-worked team move.

Sweden responded just six minutes later. Anthony Elanga received the ball on the right wing, cut inside and curled a beautiful left-footed shot into the corner.

Sweden had a chance to snatch victory late on when Alexander Isak headed towards goal, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki tipped the ball onto the crossbar.

In the end, the draw suited both teams. Japan reached the knockout stage from second place, while Sweden also have excellent chances to continue their campaign from third place. Most likely, the Swedish national team will face France or Norway in the Round of 32.

Tunisia finished the tournament without a single point. The team conceded 12 goals in three matches and ended the group stage in last place.