World Cup 2026: Sweden and Tunisia Clash in Group F Opener in Monterrey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is officially underway, with Group F action kicking off as Sweden faces Tunisia at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, this Sunday.

Sweden returns to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 tournament. Led by manager Graham Potter, the Swedish squad brings a versatile offensive approach and a point to prove. Their path to the tournament was unconventional; after failing to secure a victory in their qualifying group, they utilized a successful 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign to earn a playoff spot, where Potter ultimately guided them to qualification.

The team’s attack is spearheaded by Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, who solidified his importance to the squad by scoring the decisive goal in a thrilling match against Poland. Alongside Gyokeres, Liverpool’s Alexander Isak provides significant firepower, and if both remain fit, Sweden could emerge as a dark horse in their group.

Tunisia, appearing in their third consecutive World Cup, arrives with a defensively disciplined squad under head coach Sabri Lamouchi. Having dominated their CAF qualifying group—winning nine of ten matches without conceding a single goal—Tunisia will rely on that organizational strength to navigate a challenging group that includes the Netherlands and Japan.

Lamouchi is ushering in a new generation of talent to revitalize the program. Midfield control will be anchored by Hannibal Mejbri, the former Manchester United prospect currently with Burnley. Additionally, winger Khalil Ayari, recently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, and 18-year-old forward Rayan Elloumi represent a changing of the guard for the Tunisian national team.

Match Details: Sweden vs. Tunisia

Date: Sunday, June 14 | Time: 10 pm ET
Location: BBVA Stadium — Monterrey, Mexico
TV: FS1 (English), Telemundo (Spanish) | Live stream: Fubo
Odds: Sweden -115; Draw +240; Tunisia +340

Predicted Starting Lineups

Sweden: Viktor Johansson; Gustaf Lagerbielke, Isak Hien, Victor Lindelof; Gabriel Gudmundsson, Matthias Svanberg, Jesper Karlstrom, Hjalmar Ekdal; Alexander Isak, Anthony Elanga; Viktor Gyokeres

Tunisia: Aymen Dahmen; Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, Ali Abdi; Yan Valery, Ellyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri, Anis Ben Slimane, Moutaz Neffati; Elias Achouri, Elias Saad

Prediction and Final Pick

Both teams are well-matched and desperate for their first points of the tournament. Given the defensive resilience of Tunisia and the attacking potential of Sweden, a stalemate is a strong possibility.

Pick: Sweden 1, Tunisia 1

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