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Group F Preview

Consisting of Japan, Sweden, Tunisia, and the Netherlands, Group F looks to be one of the most open and evenly balanced groups in the tournament. According to FIFA’s world rankings, all four rank in the top 45, making it unusually strong in that respect.

Although the Netherlands enter as group favourites, unlike several other groups, there is no obvious standout, and Japan, in particular, have looked a very competitive outfit. With little to choose between the four, there are plenty of opportunities for punters seeking value in the market.

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🇳🇱 Netherlands

Unsurprisingly, the Netherlands are the group favourites, but their odds of 1.72 highlight how competitive this group is. With Ronald Koeman at the helm, the Netherlands have been remarkably consistent in recent times, and boast a 14-game unbeaten streak at the time of writing.

They were a dominant force throughout qualifying, racking up 27 goals while conceding just four at the other end. That return helped them record six wins and two draws, finishing comfortably clear at the top of their group.

A strong showing at the Euros saw the Netherlands reach the semi-finals, where they eventually fell to England. It marked their first appearance in the last four of a major tournament since 2010, and highlights the progress they’ve made under Koeman.

🇯🇵 Japan

Amongst the most overlooked teams in the tournament, Japan’s recent form seems to have gone somewhat under the radar in recent times. They’ve won each of their last five friendlies, including beating Brazil 3-2, and recording a historic 1-0 win against England at Wembley. That victory was the first for any Asian side against the Three Lions, and only the second defeat they’ve suffered since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival.

That said, it was Kaoru Mitoma that scored the winner on that occasion, and following the release of Japan’s 26-man squad, we now know the Brighton star will not make it to the World Cup, after sustaining a hamstring injury against Sunderland. His omission could significantly hamper Japan’s chances, although as they’ve recently demonstrated, they’re far from a one-man team and should not be underestimated.

Mitoma’s absence renders it all the more important that Ayase Ueda maintains his remarkable form of late. The Feyenoord striker bagged 25 league goals in 31 games this season, and was similarly instrumental during Japan’s qualifiers, when he racked up eight goals and two assists in just nine matches.

🇸🇪 Sweden

Sweden made headlines with their recent managerial appointment of ex-Chelsea man Graham Potter, and while his reputation did precede him, his results also speak for themselves.

Prior to his arrival, Sweden had mustered just a single point from their four qualifiers, including two disappointing defeats to Kosovo.

While Potter has certainly played a major role, he has Victor Gyokeres to thank for his hat-trick against Ukraine and late winner versus Poland. With 25 goals to his name already across all competitions this season, Sweden may be relying on the Arsenal man to deliver once again, this time on the biggest of all stages.

🇹🇳 Tunisia

Tunisia enter the tournament, looking to bounce back from a disappointing AFCON, in which they bowed out to Mali on penalties in the round of 16. Despite their opponents having been reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute, Tunisia took 88 minutes to score the opener, only to concede a stoppage-time equaliser eight minutes later.

That said, a subsequent 1-0 victory over Haiti and a 0-0 stalemate with World Cup hosts Canada have helped restore morale. They also qualified for the tournament in some style, with nine wins and a draw, without conceding a single goal.

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Best Free Bets, Offers & Betting Sites for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is the best time to create a new bookmaker account because the Bookmaker Offers are much better. Andy and the Andy's Bet Club experts have tried and tested the Free Bets and here's their favourites:

bet365 World Cup Free Bets

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Sky Bet World Cup Free Bets

Betfred World Cup Free Bets

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.