World Cup 2026 Group F final standings: Results and teams qualified for the round of 32
Three teams all booked their knockout-stage spots on Thursday, with Tunisia the only Group F side to suffer an early World Cup exit.
In Thursday’s final round of Group E games, every team that could qualify, did qualify. The Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all booked their knockout-stage berths - and all face tough ties in the last 32.
What happened on Group E matchday three?
In Kansas City, Missouri, the Dutch clinched top spot with a 3-1 win over the already-out Tunisians. Ronald Koeman’s men were well on their way to victory within seven minutes, after an Ellyes Skhiri own goal was followed by another Brian Brobbey strike - his third of the tournament. Although Hazem Mastouri pulled one back early in the second half, Jan Paul van Hecke’s header sealed the points for the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Japan and Sweden each reaped the benefits of a 1-1 draw in Arlington, Texas. Just after the hour mark at AT&T Stadium, Anthony Elanga’s stunning goal quickly cancelled out Daizen Maeda’s 56th-minute opener for the Japanese, in a stalemate that sent both teams into the knockouts. Japan stamped Group E’s second automatic ticket, while the Swedes’ total of four points is certain to take them through as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
By claiming a last-32 place, Sweden avoided an unwanted piece of history. Had Graham Potter’s men been knocked out, they would have been the first team in over 40 years to exit the men’s World Cup group stage despite winning their first game by four or more goals. This has not happened since Hungary suffered early elimination in 1982, having begun with a 10-1 thumping of El Salvador.
Who will the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden play in the round of 32?
The Netherlands and Japan’s last-32 opponents have been confirmed - and they’re both very strong. The Dutch are to play the runner-up in Group C - 2022 semifinalists Morocco - on Tuesday, June 29 in Monterrey. Meanwhile, the Japanese will meet Brazil, Group C’s winners. The Blue Samurai faces the five-time world champions on June 29 in Houston, Texas.
Sweden’s last-32 tie is yet to be revealed - but is also set to provide exacting opposition, potentially against a former World Cup winner. The Scandinavians can face: four-time champions Germany, two-time champions France, Norway, or Switzerland.
Group F: results
Matchday one: June 14
Matchday two: June 20
Matchday three: June 25
Group F: final standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands (Q) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 7 |
| Japan (Q) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 5 |
| Sweden (Q) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| Tunisia (E) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
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