These are the final standings in Group F:

The Netherlands already know their rivals in the Round of 32, as well as Japan that also know which team they will play in the next round of the tournament. However, Sweden will need to wait for the development of the group stage, as they are waiting for the table of the best third places.

Other groups already decided in the 2026 World Cup

Alongside Group F, there are other groups that already decided their teams in the next round, like Groups A, B, C and E. These are the teams that have qualified to the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup at this point:

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa
• Group B: Switzerland, Canada
• Group C: Brazil, Morocco
• Group D: United States (Clinched after 2 matches)
• Group E: Germany, Ivory Coast
• Group I: France, Norway (Both clinched after 2 matches)
• Group J: Argentina (Clinched after 2 matches)
• Group K: Colombia (Clinched after 2 matches)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (Finished 3rd in Group B with 4 points, safely clearing the minimum mathematical threshold to advance).
• Ecuador (Finished 3rd in Group E with 4 points, also guaranteeing a wild-card advancement spot).

Now, the expectation emerges for the development of the remaining groups, as the bracket is getting close to the final image, as for some fans, the tournament will start against from that point and on.

While Tunisia are desperate to salvage a positive result and avoid the ignominy of finishing as the tournament’s worst overall team, the dynamic on the pitch will be a massive test. The Netherlands have no intention of taking their foot off the gas, aiming to sweep the group stage with a statement victory and a heavy influx of goals. A win, tie or loss against Tunisia will have different implications for the Dutch side.

It has been a tumultuous tournament for the African side, punctuated by a historic federation meltdown. Tunisia became the only nation in the competition to sack their head coach following a catastrophic 5-1 opening-match loss to Sweden. Now, the squad is desperate to show glimpses of its true potential before packing its bags and heading home.

What’s Tunisia’s current FIFA ranking?

Tunisia currently sit 57th in the live FIFA world rankings after suffering consecutive blowout defeats, a 5-1 thrashing by Sweden followed by a 4-0 clinic from Japan. Bleeding 39 ranking points across those two matches, the Carthage Eagles have plummeted 12 spots from the 45th position they held when the tournament kicked off.

They currently anchor the bottom of the tournament’s overall master table with 0 points and a staggering minus-8 goal differential. If they leak more goals against the Dutch than fellow basement-dwellers Uzbekistan or Iraq do in their respective finales, Tunisia will officially finish dead last in the 48-team field.

Is this performance the worst one from Tunisia in a World Cup?

The Tunisian national team has qualified for seven FIFA World Cups in its history (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022, and 2026). However, the country has never managed to progress past the group stage in any of its appearances on the global stage.

While they have historically flirted with the bottom of the tournament standings before, a lopsided defeat to the Netherlands would mark a dark new low. For the first time in their seven tournament appearances, Tunisia risk finishing the World Cup dead last in the official final rankings.

Following a dominant 5-1 thrashing of Sweden, the Oranje are the overwhelming favorites to finish atop the standings and win Grpup F. Their commanding position isn’t just due to their point total, but also a massive goal-differential advantage that could prove to be the ultimate decider at the conclusion of group play.

On the other side, Tunisia will be playing strictly for pride and a better position in the FIFA ranking. The Eagles of Carthage have already been mathematically eliminated following consecutive losses to Sweden and a crushing 4-0 defeat against Japan. With no path left to the knockout stage, their sole motivation is to play spoiler, secure a historic three points, and avoid exiting the 2026 World Cup on a low note.

With the U.S. broadcast details and kickoff times locked in, all that’s left is for the players to take the pitch. Anticipation is building as the European powerhouse aims to claim the top seed, making the opening whistle a must-watch moment.

What happens if the Netherlands beat Tunisia?

A victory over Tunisia would earn the Netherlands three points, bringing their group total to seven and guaranteeing them at least a top-two finish. Their final seeding would then depend on the result between Japan and Sweden. If Japan also win, the group winner will be decided by goal differential, since the head-to-head match between the Dutch and the Japanese ended in a draw.

Because both Japan and the Netherlands currently sit at a plus-4 goal differential, the total number of goals scored in these final matches will be decisive. If they remain tied on goal differential, the next FIFA tiebreaker is total goals scored throughout the group stage.

What happens if the Netherlands and Tunisia tie?

If the Netherlands and Tunisia split the points, the Dutch will be forced to scoreboard-watch and await the outcome of the Japan-Sweden clash to determine their final placement.

A definitive winner in the Japan-Sweden match would relegate the Netherlands to second place in Group F. However, if Japan and Sweden also play to a draw, the Netherlands would secure the top spot in the group due to the tiebreakers outlined above.

What happens if the Netherlands lose to Tunisia?

A shocking loss to Tunisia would leave the Netherlands empty-handed on Matchday 3, meaning their final standing would rest entirely on the result of the Japan-Sweden game. Whether that match ends in a draw or produces a clear winner, the Netherlands would still secure second place, as they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Sweden thanks to their previous victory.

Group F standings

Tunisia has been objectively the worst team in the 2026 World Cup. First, it lost 1-5 to Sweden only to fire the coach, hire Herve Renard, and then lose 0-4 to Japan. Now, fully eliminated, Tunisia has nothing to play for.

As for the Netherlands, the Dutch had a 2-2 opener against Japan, which was a barnburner. Then, they derailed Sweden’s hype train by beating them 5-1 in Matchday 2. Hence, it’s time to see what’s their position in the FIFA rankings.

Netherlands updated FIFA ranking ahead of game vs. Tunisia

The Netherlands are 8th in the FIFA rankings right now after their two results vs. Japan and Sweden. However, the Dutch are just 2.34 points away from leapfrogging Portugal and get the seventh slot.

Portugal decayed two spots after Morocco and Brazil won games in Matchday 3, so the Netherlands could become the third team to pass Portugal in two days. Having said so, Portugal will still owe its Matchday 3, though it’s a tough one vs. Colombia.

What do the Netherlands need to win Group F?

To win Group F of the 2026 World Cup, the Netherlands must defeat Tunisia in Kansas City while hoping Japan draws or loses to Sweden. If both the Netherlands and Japan win their respective final matches, we go to the tiebreakers, and given that they drew, the head-to-head is not the one to decide the group leader.

In fact, if both the Netherlands and Japan win their matches. The group winner will then be decided by goal difference, followed by goals scored, disciplinary record, and lastly, the FIFA world ranking, where the Netherlands are well above Japan.

It one of the largest venues in the competition, with a World Cup capacity of approximately 73,000 spectators. Local officials have described Thursday as one of the biggest World Cup days the city has hosted so far.

The Dutch enter the match with a chance to secure first place in the group, while Herve Renard‘s team will be looking to end its campaign on a positive note despite already being eliminated.

What will the weather be like for Tunisia vs Netherlands today?

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and possible lightning are in the forecast for Tunisia vs Netherlands in Kansas City, creating a risk of delays or interruptions. Local meteorologists have identified Thursday as a high-impact weather day.

Weather has already become a major talking point ahead of the Group F clash. Forecasts indicate the possibility of heavy downpours, flash flooding and lightning strikes, conditions that could trigger FIFA’s weather protocols.

Organizers and local authorities have been monitoring the situation throughout the day as thousands of supporters arrive at the stadium. Under FIFA and local safety regulations, lightning detected within the designated safety radius can result in a temporary suspension or delayed kickoff until conditions improve.

While some forecasts suggest temperatures around the upper 70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius) near kickoff, the greater concern remains the threat of severe weather rather than heat, according to Yahoo Sports.

How many fans are expected to attend Tunisia vs Netherlands?

A crowd of more than 70,000 fans is expected for Tunisia vs Netherlands at Kansas City Stadium. The venue, known outside the tournament as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, has a World Cup capacity of 73,000 spectators.

Although FIFA does not release official attendance figures until after kickoff, local organizers have described Thursday as one of the biggest World Cup days hosted by Kansas City so far.

Thousands of supporters from both nations have traveled to Missouri, with Dutch fans expected to make the strongest visual impact through their traditional pregame “Oranje” celebrations.

The Netherlands’ fan base has effectively turned parts of downtown Kansas City orange ahead of the match. Local media reported that thousands of Dutch supporters gathered for fan walks and celebrations before the game.

How to watch Tunisia vs Netherlands in the USA

Fans across the United States will be able to watch this highly anticipated contest live on FOX and Telemundo through traditional TV coverage.

Streaming is also available on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium. Don’t miss the action.

Can I watch Tunisia vs Netherlands for free?

Fans in the United States can watch this marquee matchup live on Fubo or DirecTV Stream. Eligible new users may also qualify for a free five-day trial.

Each service delivers live coverage across the country, giving fans access to every major play, pivotal sequence, and game-changing moment as it unfolds.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Netherlands head into their final group-stage match atop the standings after a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden. However, with Japan level on points, the Dutch still need a win to secure first place and avoid any complications.

Tunisia, meanwhile, have endured a difficult tournament, losing both matches by wide margins and crashing out early. With elimination already confirmed, they will be playing only for pride in their final appearance.

Tunisia vs Netherlands: Predicted Lineups

Tunisia (4-4-2): Bechir Ben Saïd; Wajdi Kechrida, Montassar Talbi, Omar Rekik, Amine Ben Hamida; Ellyes Skhiri, Rani Khedira, Anis Ben Slimane; Hannibal Mejbri, Elias Saad, Youssef Msakni.

Netherlands (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Lutsharel Geertruida, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké; Jerdy Schouten, Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders; Donyell Malen, Joshua Zirkzee, Cody Gakpo.

What time is the Tunisia vs Netherlands match?

The match kicks off today, June 25, at 7:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
Central Time: 6:00 PM
Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

She will be in charge of Thursday’s Group F clash between Tunisia and the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is set to be played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

While Tunisia enter the contest already eliminated from knockout-round contention, the Netherlands still have plenty at stake as they look to finish the group stage strongly and secure a favorable path in the tournament.

Who are the assistant referees and VAR officials?

Sandra Ramirez from Mexico and Jose Enrique Naranjo Perez from Spain will serve as the assistant referees for Tunisia vs. Netherlands, while Mexican official Katia Itzel Garcia will be the referee in charge.

The all-important Group F clash has attracted plenty of attention not only because of its implications in the standings, but also because Garcia is making history as the first Mexican woman to referee a men’s FIFA World Cup match.

Paraguay’s Milciades Saldivar has been appointed as the reserve assistant referee. As for the video review team, FIFA had not publicly released the final VAR assignments. Those appointments are often confirmed closer to kickoff.

What is at stake for Tunisia and Netherlands today?

The Netherlands can finish first in Group F, while Tunisia have already been eliminated. The Dutch enter the final matchday leading the group after collecting four points from their opening two games, including a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden.

A victory over Tunisia would guarantee the Netherlands a place atop Group F if Japan fail to defeat Sweden. Even if Japan win, the Dutch could still secure first place depending on goal difference and other tiebreakers.

Finishing first would be significant because it would likely provide a more favorable Round of 32 matchup and avoid a potentially tougher path through the knockout bracket. Tunisia, meanwhile, have endured a difficult tournament.

Consecutive defeats against Sweden (5-1) and Japan (4-0) left the Eagles of Carthage without a mathematical chance of advancing before the final round. However, pride remains on the line as they look to avoid leaving without a point.

With this defeat, Tunisia are officially eliminated from the World Cup, lacking any chance to qualify even as one of the best third-placed teams due to the sequence of results in the group. With this victory, Japan move to four points, level with the Netherlands, while Sweden sit in third after losing to the Netherlands but defeating Tunisia.

Japan and the Netherlands share the top two spots with four points each, while Sweden temporarily hold third place with three points. Even if Tunisia win their final match against the Netherlands and Sweden lose to Japan, Tunisia cannot qualify in third place due to the tournament’s tiebreaker rule, which in this edition is decided by head-to-head results.

Japan secured three valuable points

The first tiebreaker in the 2026 World Cup is the head-to-head record. However, if Japan and the Netherlands tie for first, given that their match ended in a draw, the second tiebreaker comes into play, which is goal difference. The Netherlands’ goal difference is +4, and Japan reached +4 following their convincing victory, meaning everything will be decided on the final matchday.

Tunisia’s campaign represents a failure rarely seen in a World Cup, not just because of the results but because of the manner in which it happened, considering that following the opening loss to Sweden, they sacked Sabri Lamouchi and hired the historic Herve Renard.

Renard made a name for himself in the World Cup four years ago. He was coaching Saudi Arabia back then, and he managed to beat Argentina, who went on to win the World Cup, completing a massive comeback ignited by a now-historic halftime speech.

Tunisia join the list of already eliminated nations, which includes Haiti—after losing to Brazil and Scotland in their opening matches—and Turkiye, who fell to Australia and Paraguay. Tunisia now pack their bags and will have to wait another four years to try and experience this tournament again.

Kovacs averages 5.12 yellow cards per game. That tendency could benefit Japan, who face a physical, high-stakes battle against a Tunisia squad needing a victory to keep their dreams of advancing past the group stage alive.

Because it’s a crucial match for Tunisia, they earned the ‘right’ to wear their primary all-white kit. Japan will counter with the eye-catching blue uniform that has generated so much buzz during this World Cup.

Uniforms for Tunisia and Japan

Tunisia hope a massive stadium and a passionate soccer city bring them some luck. They will wear their official all-white kit with red trim, while their goalkeeper will be in all-orange.

Japan will sport their traditional all-blue uniform with white and red details. They naturally had to ditch their white jersey and black shorts alternative to avoid a clash with Tunisia. Their goalkeeper, US-born Zion Suzuki, will wear an all-yellow kit.

Referee for Tunisia vs. Japan

Even though Kovacs has never been on a World Cup stage, he knows there is no room for error in a match where both squads are hungry to advance and climb the FIFA rankings.

• Referee: Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
• Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marica (Romania)
• Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi (Romania)
• Fourth Official: Juan Calderon (Costa Rica)
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Juan Carlos Mora (Costa Rica)

Kovacs brings recent international tournament experience to the table, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 European WC Qualifiers, and the UEFA Nations League. Across those tournaments, his yellow card average jumped to six per game over a five-match stretch where he also issued two red cards.

Both sides come with an urgent need to win this game after not being able to win in their opening matches. On one side, Japan drew against the Netherlands 2-2. This forces the Samurais to go for a victory to pretty much secure their spot in the next round.

On the other side, Tunisia, with Herve Renard as new manager because Tunisia fired their former coach in the middle of the World Cup, look for a win to basically stay alive in this tournament.

What happens if Japan win vs Tunisia?

If Japan secure a victory against Tunisia, they will add three vital points to put themselves in the mix for the top spots in the standings. In other words, they will be moving one step closer to qualifying for the next round. It would put them with four points, the same as the Netherlands. A

The first tiebreaker in the 2026 World Cup is the head to head record. However, if Japan and Netherlands tie at first, given that their game ended in a draw, the second tiebreaker comes into play, which is goal difference. Netherlands’ goal difference is +4, so Japan (0 GD) need to score plenty of goals vs. Tunisia if they want to take the top spot.

What happens if Japan and Tunisia tie?

If Japan tie with Tunisia, they will move to two points and remain in third place in Group F, trailing Sweden (3 points) and the Netherlands (4 points). Tunisia earn their first point and stays alive in fourth. This result means no team in the group is mathematically qualified or eliminated. Hence, Japan’s fate would rely entirely on the final matchday against Sweden.

What happens if Japan loses vs Tunisia?

If Japan loses to Tunisia, they will fall to the bottom of Group F with one point. Tunisia moves ahead of them into third place with three points. This sets up a do-or-die final matchday where Japan must defeat Sweden to reach four points. Any other result would mean automatic elimination.

A Dutch victory locks Japan into second place outright, while a Dutch draw achieves the exact same result because Japan would own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Sweden.

A city of fewer than one million residents will provide the perfect backdrop for Tunisia, a team trying to secure a win to avoid an early World Cup exit, especially after making a mid-tournament managerial change.

By kickoff, the weather should be fairly pleasant. Japan will be sporting a rather unique blue uniform for a match that could feel a bit warm for the Asian squad, though the Tunisians likely won’t mind the heat.

City and stadium

Guadalupe is a city located within the Monterrey metropolitan area. It has already hosted several matches for Groups A and F, and it is also scheduled to host a Round of 32 game. This matchup between Japan and Tunisia will be the stadium’s second-to-last group stage game.

The match will be played at Estadio Monterrey, which features a World Cup capacity of 51,243 fans. The stadium’s opening match saw 50,987 fans in attendance, where Tunisia unfortunately lost to Sweden, damaging their chances of advancing to the next round.

Attendance and weather

The stadium will likely be near capacity once again. Mexico has proven to be a country where soccer fans are everywhere, and Japan typically draws a significant following in the region. Because of this, a packed house is expected.

The area is experiencing daytime temperatures hovering around 28°C to 30°C with high humidity and a 50% to 70% chance of ongoing thunderstorms, bringing muggy and wet conditions to the open-air venue.