Maybe the most watchable group of the opening stage
Group F has the Netherlands, whose 2026 orange kit is currently number one on our entire Kit Clash popularity leaderboard, plus Japan playing some of the most fluid football outside Europe, and a Tunisia side that’s built to frustrate anyone. The playoff qualifier arrives later.
Netherlands — favourites in every sense
The Dutch look to have one of the more complete squads at this tournament. Virgil van Dijk captains, Cody Gakpo leads the line, Xavi Simons runs the ball and Frenkie de Jong holds everything together. The kit is also, simply, stunning — bright Nike orange with a subtle geometric pattern that photographs beautifully in daylight. Expect a lot of orange on replica shirts in every city they play in.
Favourites to top the group and genuinely in the conversation for a deep tournament run. That said, the Netherlands at World Cups tend to peak just before the semi-finals, not just after, so temper expectations if you’re not Dutch.
Japan — the neutral’s favourite
Japan have been quietly one of the best international sides in the world for two years. Takefusa Kubo on the wing, Kaoru Mitoma destroying full-backs, Wataru Endo in midfield. Their Asian Cup run and World Cup qualification form suggest they’re not the plucky Japan of old — they’re a team that will genuinely expect to beat you. The Japan 2026 Adidas kit with the diagonal gradient stripe is a minor classic already.
Tunisia — structured and stubborn
Tunisia are the exact profile of team that grinds a group out. Solid at the back, compact in midfield, dangerous from set pieces. They won’t blow anyone away but they won’t lose 3-0 either. Whichever team plays them last will regret it.
The playoff winner
Intercontinental Playoff B completes the group. Could be a South American side, could be Oceania, could be Asia — depending on qualifying outcomes. Whatever arrives, it’ll be a 44-48 ranked team playing with nothing to lose.
Predicted finish
Netherlands win the group comfortably, Japan second on goal difference or head-to-head, Tunisia third, playoff winner fourth. The real interest is whether Japan can actually take points off the Dutch — I think they can.
Kit pick of the group
Easy — the Netherlands kit. It’s rated highest across our entire 2026 dataset. Cop one on the buy page. Japan’s is a very close second if orange isn’t your colour.
Keep reading
Compare this to Group I where France sit, or the live Kit Clash rankings for the full popularity picture.