Group F · FIFA World Cup 2026
🇯🇵 Japan at World Cup 2026
Japan enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Group F alongside Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden. Here is everything you need: the full fixture schedule, group opponents and team background.
Group
Group F
Confederation
AFC
World Cups
8
Best result
Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
Host nation
No
Japan group-stage fixtures
Japan plays three group-stage matches in Group F. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
| Match | Date | Time | Fixture | Stage | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Jun 14 | 16:00 ET | 🇳🇱 Netherlands vs 🇯🇵 Japan | Group F | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
| 36 | Jun 21 | 00:00 ET | 🇹🇳 Tunisia vs 🇯🇵 Japan | Group F | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
| 57 | Jun 25 | 19:00 ET | 🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇸🇪 Sweden | Group F | AT&T Stadium, Arlington |
Group F opponents
Click any team to see their full fixture list and group context.
Japan at the 2026 World Cup
Japón sorprendió al mundo en Qatar 2022 al superar un grupo con Alemania y España antes de caer en octavos ante Croacia. Los "Samurai Azules" son considerados hoy una de las selecciones más completas de Asia.
In 2026, Japan faces Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden in the group stage. The top two teams in Group F qualify directly to the Round of 32. Even a third-place finish could be enough if Japan post strong results — the eight best third-place records across all 12 groups also advance.
How does Japan qualify from Group F?
In the 2026 World Cup group stage, teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss. The maximum from 3 matches is 9 points.
1st or 2nd in Group F
Automatic Round of 32 spot
3rd in Group F with a strong record
Potential Round of 32 spot (if top-8 third)
4th in Group F
Eliminated after group stage
Tiebreakers within the group follow this order: goal difference → goals scored → head-to-head points → head-to-head goal difference → disciplinary record → FIFA draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which group is Japan in at the 2026 World Cup?
Japan is in Group F with Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden.
When does Japan play its first World Cup 2026 match?
Japan opens the group stage on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 16:00 ET at att.
How can Japan qualify for the knockout stage?
The top two teams in Group F advance automatically to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place finishers across all 12 groups also advance, so Japan can qualify even without finishing first or second — but that depends on results across all groups.
How many World Cups has Japan appeared in?
Japan has appeared in 8 FIFA World Cups. Their best result is Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022).
What is Japan's best World Cup result?
Japan's best result is Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022).
Is Japan a host nation at the 2026 World Cup?
No — Japan qualified through their continental qualifying campaign.
How many matches does Japan play in the 2026 World Cup group stage?
Japan plays exactly three group-stage matches — one against each of their Group F opponents: Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden. If they qualify, they play additional knockout-round matches starting with the Round of 32.