The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F gets underway with a compelling encounter as Sweden face Tunisia. Both sides will be keen to lay down an early marker in a group that also features the Netherlands and Japan, making three points in this opening fixture incredibly valuable.
The Stakes
This opening match holds significant weight for both nations. With powerhouses like the Netherlands and a strong Japan side also in Group F, securing a positive result here is paramount for any aspirations of progressing to the knockout stages. Tunisia, making their seventh World Cup appearance, have never advanced beyond the group stage and will be determined to break that historical barrier this time around. For Sweden, who missed the 2022 tournament, this represents a crucial opportunity to re-establish themselves on the global stage and build momentum for their campaign. You can follow the group's progress on our /standings page.
Recent Form
Sweden's path to the World Cup was a dramatic one, qualifying through the UEFA Nations League play-offs after a challenging initial group stage where they failed to register a win. Under manager Graham Potter, they found form when it mattered most, securing impressive 3-1 and 3-2 victories over Ukraine and Poland respectively in March 2026 to book their spot. However, recent pre-tournament friendlies saw them lose 3-1 to Norway and draw 2-2 with Greece, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded in 11 consecutive fixtures.
Tunisia, by contrast, enjoyed a near-perfect qualification campaign through CAF, topping their group without conceding a single goal in six matches – an extraordinary defensive record. Despite this solidity, their attacking output and overall form in recent friendlies have been less convincing. They suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Belgium and a 1-0 loss to Austria in warm-up games, following a disappointing group stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Sweden will be without Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski, who has been sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season with a severe knee injury. Defender Emil Holm also misses out due to a muscle injury, with Herman Johansson called up as his replacement. There is a slight concern over Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson, who has been battling a virus, though Victor Lindelof, Anthony Elanga, Benjamin Nygren, and Alexander Bernhardsson are all reported to have recovered from minor issues. The formidable strike partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the line, both arriving in good form. For more on the squad, visit our /teams/sweden page.
Predicted Sweden XI (3-4-1-2): Nordfeldt; Hien, Lindelof, Lagerbielke; Bernhardsson, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Nygren; Isak, Gyokeres.
Tunisia manager Sabri Lamouchi appears to have a fully fit squad at his disposal, with no significant injury concerns reported. Midfielder Anis Ben Slimane has returned to the squad after overcoming injury problems. Hannibal Mejbri, the Burnley playmaker, is expected to return to the starting lineup after being an unused substitute in their recent friendly against Belgium. Captain Ellyes Skhiri and Rani Khedira are anticipated to form a robust midfield pivot. For further team details, see our /teams/tunisia section.
Predicted Tunisia XI (4-2-3-1): Chamakh; Valery, Rekik, Talbi, Abdi; Skhiri, Khedira; Achouri, Hannibal, Gharbi; Chaouat.
Prediction
This match pits Sweden's potent attack, spearheaded by Isak and Gyokeres, against Tunisia's historically resolute defence. While Tunisia's qualification record was exceptional, their recent friendly results suggest a potential struggle against higher-calibre opposition. Sweden's ability to score goals, even with defensive frailties, might just tip the balance. We anticipate a closely contested affair, but Sweden's attacking quality should see them secure a narrow victory.
Score Prediction: Sweden 2-1 Tunisia
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
