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The Netherlands and Japan lead the with four points each after the completion of the second matchday, both mathematically qualified for the round of 16. Sweden remains in the game in third place with three points, while Tunisia is eliminated without having scored any points.
The first matchday, held on June 14, kicked off with a points distribution between the two leaders: the Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington in a back-and-forth clash where the Dutch took the lead twice and the Japanese responded each time. In the other match on that same date, Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1 at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey with goals from Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Mattias Svanberg, placing the Swedes as provisional leaders.
The second round completely reshuffled the group. On Saturday, the Netherlands showcased their best version against Sweden with a resounding 5-1 victory at the NRG Stadium in Houston: Brian Brobbey scored in the fifth minute and added another in the 17th, Cody Gakpo contributed two more in the 47th and 54th, and Chuba Summerville finished off the tally in the 89th. Anthony Elanga scored Sweden's only goal.
This Sunday, Japan completed the second matchday with a 4-0 victory over Tunisia at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Ayase Ueda scored in the 31st and 83rd minutes, and Junya Ito added the third goal in the 69th minute. The Japanese team dominated with 62% possession and 11 shots compared to only two from the African side.
Table after Matchday 2
The Netherlands leads with four points and a goal difference of +4 (seven scored, three conceded). Japan is in second place with the same four points and +4 goal difference, although with one less goal scored (six). Sweden holds third place with three points and a neutral goal difference. Tunisia sits at the bottom of the table with no points and a -8 balance.
What is at stake in the final matchday
The third matchday will take place on Thursday, June 25, with both matches being held simultaneously at 7:00 PM Cuba time: Tunisia vs Netherlands at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and Japan vs Sweden at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Simultaneity is the standard format set by FIFA to prevent agreements between teams.
The Netherlands and Japan have already secured their spot, but the final standings matter: if Japan defeats Sweden, the Japanese will finish first in the group regardless of the other result. If the Netherlands wins against Tunisia and Japan does not win, the Dutch will take the top spot due to their higher goal difference.
The most open scenario involves Sweden: if the Scandinavians defeat Japan, they will reach six points and could finish first if the Netherlands does not win, or second if the Dutch do win. A tie between Japan and Sweden would leave the Japanese in first place due to a better goal difference, while the Swedes would be third with four points, a number that is likely sufficient to qualify among the eight best third-place teams out of the 12 groups and advance to the round of 16.
Tunisia, eliminated with zero points and a -8 goal difference, has no chance of qualification in any possible scenario.
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