World Cup 2026 Day 15: Group F recap

Group F wrapped up its final matchday of the World Cup 2026 Group Stage on Thursday. The Netherlands topped the group, followed by Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. Sweden has clinched a spot in the Round of 32 with its third-place finish. 

The Netherlands were always the favorite in the group, with Japan and Sweden remaining as sleepers. Tunisia had a tournament to forget, but they were in it nonetheless. Just participating in a World Cup is a major milestone for a country and gives experience to build from. 

General view as Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk is pictured on the big screen as he walks onto the pitch before the match

Bernadett Szabo

World Cup Group F - Matchday 3

Tunisia 1 - 3 Netherlands 

Tunisia was out of the tournament coming into this match. With nothing else to play for but pride, pride was hard to find when Ellyes Skhiri scored an own-goal in the 3'. 

Brian Brobbey doubled the lead for the Dutch in the 7' for his third goal of the tournament. Brobbey scored a brace against Sweden last week and continued with his hot foot against Tunisia. 

Netherlands' Jan Paul van Hecke celebrates scoring their third goal with Nathan Ake

JAY BIGGERSTAFF

The Dutch completely outplayed Tunisia in the first half. It wasn't even close. Ball possession was 70% in favor of the Netherlands and 30% in favor of Tunisia. The Dutch also had 12 shots, with three being on target. Tunisia had four, with one on target. 

Tunisia managed to get on the scoreboard in the 54' of the second half.  Hazem Mastouri pulled one back for his country to give a glimmer of hope for a World Cup sendoff. 

Tunisia's Hazem Mastouri scores their first goal past Netherlands' Bart Verbruggen

Bernadett Szabo

But Tunisia's glimmer of hope was short-lived. Jan Paul van Hecke put the Dutch up 3-1 in the 62' off a header from a swinging corner. The second half was just the same as the first, utter Dutch domination. 

The Netherlands finished top of Group K after two dominant wins in their last two matches. Will they be able to keep pushing for a deep run in this tournament? 

Japan 1 - 1 Sweden 

Sweden is through to the knockouts! A 1-1 draw against Japan was just enough to see them through to the next round. 

General view as players line up during the national anthems before the match

Kai Pfaffenbach

The first half ended scoreless with both teams playing on even ground. The Swedes had the better of the ball possession, 55% to 45%. They also had more shots on target, 2-1. 

In the 56', Daizen Maeda gave Japan a 1-0 lead. Ritsu Doan provided an incredible throughball to Maeda, who made his way into the box and sent the ball into the bottom left corner—just an outrageous display of playmaking in this setup. 

Japan's Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring their first goal

Issei Kato

Eight minutes later, Anthony Elanga equalized for Sweden. Elanga swung from the right side at the top of the box and rifled a left-footed hit through multiple bodies and past Zion Suzuki. Another cracking goal in this one. 

Alexander Isak had a strong chance to put Sweden up 2-1 in the 65', but Suzuki was able to get his hands on the ball and force it out of play. 

Sweden's Alexander Isak celebrates after Anthony Elanga scores their first goal past Japan's Zion Suzuki

Hannah McKay

Neither side could find a winner, which didn't matter. They're both on the way to the knockouts. 

Day 15, Group F, Round-up:

One country from Group F already has a Round of 32 match set! Japan will take on Brazil in the Round of 32 on Monday at 1:00 pm EDT. 

Day 16 at the 2026 World Cup

MORE: Philly Sport's Network's World Cup Coverage