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 that is realistic. The stakes are high.
Netherlands v Sweden
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.
Sweden, meanwhile, made a statement by putting five goals past Tunisia. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak both found the back of the net in a display that made others sit up and take note. Graham Potter's team are worth watching.
The match kicks off at 1pm ET at Houston Stadium. In the United States, it will be broadcast on Fox and Telemundo, and streamed on Fubo. In Canada, TSN carries the game, while in the United Kingdom, BBC One shows it. Australian viewers can watch on SBS.
Ronald Koeman has faced criticism for the changes he made when the Netherlands were leading against Japan, and many expect a more assertive approach against Sweden. Koeman, however, may lack the creative personnel for the Dutch to truly impose their own game.
Sweden demonstrated their attacking threat in a 5-1 win over Tunisia that hinted at a growing understanding between Gyökeres and Isak. If Potter can balance the forward line with the rest of his team, Sweden could be dark horses to make a run.
Player to watch: Alexander Isak, Sweden. After missing much of his first season at Liverpool with injuries, it was refreshing to see Isak at something close to his best against Tunisia. His direct threat could trouble club teammate Virgil van Dijk.
Germany v Côte d'Ivoire
While Germany put seven goals past Curaçao in their World Cup opener, the standard of the opposition means the true gauge of Julian Nagelsmann's team is still to be taken. The four-time winners have failed to reach the knockout stage of the last two World Cups, but they are well-placed to end that streak.
In overcoming one of Conmebol's strictest defenses in their opening match against Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire made a statement of intent even if they needed a late winner. The Elephants have a variety of attacking options that could take them far.
The match kicks off at 4pm ET at Toronto Stadium. In the United States, it is on Fox and Telemundo, streamed on Fubo. Canada's TSN carries it, the UK's ITV1 shows it, and Australia's SBS streams it.
Player to watch: Yan Diomande, Côte d'Ivoire. The in-demand RB Leipzig winger was relentless against Ecuador, showing why Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in his services.
Ecuador v Curaçao
While Ecuador underwhelmed in their opener against Côte d'Ivoire, the team who finished an impressive second in Conmebol qualifying could still make an impact at this tournament. They must, however, show more attacking intent.
Livano Comenencia's equalizer for Curaçao against Germany was one of the moments of the World Cup so far. While his team ultimately suffered a heavy defeat, their ambition to venture forward when possible should be a warning sign to Ecuador.
The match kicks off at 8pm ET at Kansas City Stadium. In the United States, it is on FS1 and Telemundo, streamed on Fubo. Canada's TSN carries it, the UK's BBC One shows it, and Australia's SBS streams it.
Player to watch: Moisés Caicedo, Ecuador. The Chelsea midfielder is Ecuador's valve in the center of the pitch, giving them the ability to hit out on the break. Caicedo will also have to be at his creative best against Curaçao's low block.
Tunisia v Japan
Tunisia shot themselves in the foot more than once as they opened their World Cup campaign with a 5-1 loss to Sweden – a result so poor they sacked their head coach and appointed Hervé Renard until the end of the tournament. If they can cut out the mistakes, they could still salvage their World Cup.
Japan could be one of the most adaptable teams at this tournament if their opener against the Netherlands is anything to go by. Hajime Moriyasu knows how to set up his side to sit deep, but also to control games higher up the field.
The match kicks off at 12am ET at Monterrey Stadium. In the United States, it is on FS1 and Telemundo, streamed on Fubo. Canada's TSN carries it, the UK's BBC One shows it, and Australia's SBS streams it.
Player to watch: Takefusa Kubo, Japan. While the Real Sociedad playmaker wasn't at his best against the Netherlands, his ability as a creator could be key to breaking down Tunisia.
