Group F is shaping up to be one of the most competitive at the 2026 World Cup with Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden all talented enough to make a deep run. The second round of group games could reveal whether or not that is realistic. The stakes are high.
Japan and the Netherlands started their World Cup campaigns by sharing the spoils, but both teams could do with a win in their second game to be sure of their place in the last 32. They may have to demonstrate more ambition than they did in their opener.