The Netherlands sealed top spot in Group F with an impressive 3-1 victory over Tunisia, while Japan and Sweden played out a dramatic 1-1 draw that ensured both nations progressed to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Heading into the final round of group matches, qualification remained open, but the evening ended with the Netherlands finishing first, Japan securing second place, and Sweden advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
At GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side produced a dominant display to comfortably defeat Tunisia and maintain their unbeaten run in the competition.
The Dutch took the lead after only three minutes when Tunisia’s Ellyes Skhiri turned the ball into his own net, registering the tournament’s 12th own goal, equalling the highest total in World Cup history.
The early breakthrough immediately shifted momentum in favour of the European side, and just four minutes later Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage with his third goal of the tournament to put the Netherlands firmly in control.
Tunisia showed some fight after the break as Hazem Mastouri marked his World Cup debut with a goal in the 54th minute to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
However, those hopes were quickly ended when Jan Paul van Hecke restored the Netherlands’ two-goal cushion with a well-taken header shortly after the hour mark to secure all three points.
The victory guaranteed the Netherlands top position in Group F and set up a Round of 32 meeting with Morocco, while Tunisia exited the tournament without earning a single point.
Meanwhile, at Dallas Stadium, Japan and Sweden battled to a tense 1-1 draw in a result that proved enough for both teams to continue their World Cup journey.
After a quiet first half, Japan broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second period through Daizen Maeda following a well-worked attacking move.
Sweden responded quickly and found their equaliser six minutes later through Anthony Elanga, who curled home a brilliant left-footed finish for his second goal in successive World Cup matches.
The closing stages produced more drama as Sweden pushed for victory. Alexander Isak came close to completing the turnaround but was denied by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki before later striking the crossbar in stoppage time.
Despite the late pressure, the match ended level, a result that suited both teams.
The final Group F standings saw the Netherlands finish first, Japan take second place, and Sweden qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, completing a memorable night of qualification drama.