The 2026 FIFA World Cup finally gets underway this week, and you can follow all of the latest breaking news before Thursday’s opening group-stage game with The Athletic. We’d also love to hear from you before Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday. Get in touch by emailing live@theathletic.com.

World Cup Group F includes Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia; matches to take place in Arlington, Houston and Kansas City in the US, plus Guadalupe in Mexico; three-time runners-up Netherlands looking for first World Cup win;

Group F at the 2026 World Cup is one of the deepest pools in this tournament, featuring the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.

Get a complete guide to FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F: team previews, key players, full match schedule, venues, and live streaming details. Stay updated with fixtures, kick-off times, and everything you need to follow Group F action.

Netherlands have the most stars. Sweden might've the best player. But Japan might have the team to do the impossible this summer.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities over the course of a month. Here is the full group stage schedule.

Ivory Coast return to the World Cup after 12 years away, aiming to finally break their long-standing knockout-stage barrier.