The Netherlands are all but through
Ronald Koeman's side reach the final group game on four points with a plus-four goal difference, level with Japan on both counts. They are first only on goals scored — seven to Japan's six — after a 2-2 draw with Japan and a 5-1 win over Sweden. Mathematically they are not yet certain of first place, but a win or a draw against Tunisia keeps them on top, and even a defeat would almost certainly still see them advance. The right side has been their most dangerous route, with Denzel Dumfries pushing high and combining with Cody Gakpo.
Tunisia are out, and have already changed coaches
Tunisia are eliminated. They lost 1-5 to Sweden and 0-4 to Japan, conceding nine goals in two games without a clean sheet. The campaign turned chaotic enough that they parted with Sabri Lamouchi and turned to Herve Renard during the tournament. Now there is nothing left to qualify for, only pride and a leaky defence to repair. That makes this a dead rubber on paper, but a Tunisia goal or an upset would change the maths at the top.
Why it matters to Japan
This is the game to keep half an eye on while Japan play Sweden. If the Netherlands win or draw, they hold first and Japan, even by beating Sweden, most likely finish second. Japan's clearest route to topping the group is the Dutch slipping against Tunisia, or Japan winning by a margin large enough to overturn that one-goal gap. First or second is not a cosmetic difference: it changes which Round of 32 opponent Japan draw, and which side of the bracket they land on.
Watch information
Kickoff is 08:00 JST on Friday, June 26, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, at the same time as Japan vs Sweden. In Japan the match streams on DAZN.
Related Links
Links for readers who want to check tournament format, fixtures, venues, and related details.
