Japan advance alongside the Netherlands to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

Netherlands National Team and Japan have secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 after surviving a fierce contest in Group F. Netherlands finished top of the group stage following a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia, while Japan claimed the runner-up position after holding Sweden to a 1-1 draw in their final group fixture.

Netherlands dominated the match against Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, United States, early Friday WIB. The Oranje side took the lead even before the match reached the 3rd minute.

Netherlands' opening goal originated from an error by Tunisian player Ellyes Skhiri. The Tunisian midfielder attempted to clear a low cross, only to accidentally deflect the ball into his own net, putting Netherlands 1-0 ahead.

The Oranje squad capitalised fully on this momentum. Just four minutes later, Brian Brobbey doubled their advantage to 2-0. Receiving a clever through pass from Virgil van Dijk inside the penalty area, Brobbey struck a first-time shot that goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen was unable to stop.

Holding a two-goal lead, Netherlands grew in confidence and took full control of the match flow. They launched wave after wave of attacks against Tunisia's defence, but no additional goals were scored before half-time.

Tunisia revived their hopes early in the second half via a headed goal from Hazem. Referee Katia Itzel Garcia Mendoza confirmed the goal after reviewing the VAR footage.

However Tunisia's resurgence did not last long. Eight minutes later, Jan Paul Van Hecke restored Netherlands' two-goal cushion with a well-placed header from a corner kick.

The 3-1 scoreline remained until the final whistle, sealing Netherlands as Group F winners with 7 total points.

Japan Holds Sweden To A Draw

Meanwhile, the battle for the second qualification spot behind Netherlands played out in a tense fixture at Dallas Stadium, Texas. Both Japan and Sweden pressed aggressively to claim victory.

Sweden created an early opening, but Viktor Gyokeres' effort was denied by Zion Suzuki. On Japan's side, Keito Nakamura and Daizen Maeda threatened the Swedish defence on multiple occasions, though the first half ended goalless.

Japan finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Finishing off an accurate pass from Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda put Japan 1-0 up, placing the Blue Samurai on course for the knockout stage.

Sweden responded immediately. Just six minutes later, Anthony Elanga levelled the score with a left-footed strike from the left edge of the penalty box, aimed into the far right corner of Japan's goal. Following this equaliser, Sweden grew in confidence and raised their attacking intensity.

Anthony Elanga got another clear goalscoring chance, but Zion Suzuki produced an outstanding save between the posts. Suzuki's crucial stops, paired with the disciplined defensive line led by Yukinari Sugawara, kept the score locked at 1-1 until full time.

This result was enough for Japan to finish as Group F runners-up with 5 points, joining Netherlands in progressing to the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.