GUADALUPE, June 13: Sweden and Tunisia will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F campaigns when they meet at Estadio BBVA on Monday, with both sides hoping to make a winning start in a group that also includes the Netherlands and Japan.
Ranked 38th and 45th in the world respectively, the two nations are separated by just seven places in the FIFA rankings, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter.Sweden are making their 13th World Cup appearance and arrive at the tournament after a remarkable qualification journey. Despite failing to win a single match in their qualifying group, the Scandinavians secured a place at the finals through the UEFA Nations League playoff route.The Swedes overcame Ukraine in the playoff semi-final, with striker Viktor Gyokeres scoring a hat-trick, before edging past Poland in a dramatic final. Head coach Graham Potter will now look to maintain Sweden’s impressive World Cup tradition, having seen the team progress beyond the group stage in each of their last four appearances since 1990. Sweden have conceded in each of their last 11 matches and head into the tournament following a 3-1 defeat to Norway and a 2-2 draw with Greece in warm-up fixtures. (Agencies)
