Group F action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway on Monday morning as Sweden and Tunisia lock horns at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, with both nations eager to make a strong first impression in what could prove a decisive opening fixture.
For Sweden, the tournament marks their 13th appearance on football’s biggest stage. The Europeans arrive determined to reassert themselves among the global elite after navigating a challenging qualification campaign. Tunisia, meanwhile, are participating in their seventh World Cup and remain on a mission to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Despite struggling to turn draws into victories during qualifying, Sweden successfully booked their place at the finals and will believe they possess the quality to advance from a group that offers little margin for error.
Tunisia’s route to North America was far more straightforward. The North Africans dominated their CAF qualifying section, which featured Namibia, Liberia, Malawi, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome & Principe. The Eagles of Carthage were relentless throughout the campaign, collecting nine wins from ten matches and finishing a commanding 13 points clear at the top of the standings.
Perhaps even more impressive was their defensive resilience. Tunisia completed the entire qualification process without conceding a single goal, underlining the organisation and discipline that have become hallmarks of the side.
However, while their qualifying record was outstanding, Tunisia’s World Cup history remains a source of frustration. In six previous appearances at the finals, they have never progressed beyond the group stage and have managed only three victories across 18 matches.
Team news
Sweden head into the contest with few fitness concerns. Although Emil Holm was forced to withdraw from the squad, the rest of the camp has enjoyed a largely positive build-up to the tournament.
The main doubt surrounds Leeds United full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson, who has been recovering from a virus and faces a race against time to be available. Should he fail to recover, either Daniel Svensson or Elliot Stroud is expected to step into the starting lineup.
There is better news elsewhere for the Scandinavians, with Victor Lindelof, Anthony Elanga, Benjamin Nygren and Alexander Bernhardsson all overcoming minor fitness issues and returning to full training.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Tunisia, on the other hand, appear set to have a clean bill of health. Head coach Sabri Lamouchi has no significant injury concerns ahead of the Group F curtain-raiser, although changes are anticipated following his side’s disappointing defeat to Belgium in their final preparation match.
With both teams aware of the importance of collecting points before tougher tests lie ahead, Monday’s encounter could have a major bearing on the race for qualification from Group F. Sweden will be hoping their World Cup pedigree gives them an edge, while Tunisia will be determined to begin another finals campaign by challenging the expectations that have followed them for decades.
Prediction
Sweden to win with odds of 1.92 on 1xbet.
10 coaches tasked with carrying Africa’s dreams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Player to watch
Hannibal Mejbri
View this post on Instagram
Hannibal Mejbri played 29 games last season, netted once and assisted three for Burnley last season. The midfielder has accumulated 46 caps over the years despite being just 23.
