Netherlands Ease Past Tunisia to Set Up Round of 32 Clash with Morocco

The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing the group stage with seven points, thanks to a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia. Japan joined them in the Round of 32 after settling for a 1-1 draw with Sweden.

As a result, the Dutch will face Morocco, the surprise semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, in what promises to be a fascinating Round of 32 encounter. Japan, meanwhile, will take on Group C winners Brazil in one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage.

The Orange national team confirmed their impressive form by following up their emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden with another dominant display, heading into the knockout rounds full of confidence and momentum.

Ronald Koeman’s side controlled the match from start to finish. The opening goal came courtesy of an own goal by Ellyes Skhiri, before Brian Brobbey doubled the lead. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke then added a third, while Hazem Mastouri scored Tunisia’s only goal, which proved nothing more than a consolation as the North Africans suffered their third defeat of the tournament.

Despite the Tunisian Football Federation replacing Sabri Lamouchi with French coach Hervé Renard after the opening round, Tunisia were unable to reverse their fortunes. Following a heavy 4-0 defeat to Japan, they suffered another loss against the Netherlands and exited the tournament without earning a single point.

In the other Group F fixture, Japan missed the opportunity to finish top of the standings and avoid an early encounter with Brazil after being held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden.

Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead immediately after the interval, but Sweden responded quickly through Anthony Elanga, whose powerful strike from outside the penalty area found the back of the net to earn his side a valuable point. The result saw Sweden finish third in the group with four points.

Although Japan failed to claim first place, they head into the knockout stage full of confidence following an impressive group-stage campaign. They will also take encouragement from their memorable 3-2 friendly victory over Brazil last October, adding extra intrigue to their upcoming clash.

United States Suffer Narrow Defeat

In Group G, the United States suffered their first defeat of the tournament, losing 3-2 to Turkey in a match in which they fielded a heavily rotated lineup after already securing top spot in the group and qualification for the Round of 32.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to his starting eleven, opting to rest several key players ahead of the knockout stage, allowing Turkey to capitalize and claim their only victory of the tournament before exiting the competition.

Arda Güler, Orkun Kökçü and Kaan Ayhan scored for Turkey, with Ayhan netting the dramatic winner deep into stoppage time. Austin Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter were on target for the United States.

Despite the defeat, the United States held on to first place in the group and will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

In the group's other fixture, Australia secured qualification after a goalless draw against Paraguay at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Both teams finished on four points, but Australia's superior goal difference earned them automatic qualification, while Paraguay were left waiting to discover whether they would progress as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.