June 5, 2026

Tournament Preview: Group E & F

Germany are odds favourites in Group E, which also contains Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao, while Netherlands are expected to progress from Group F. Let’s take a closer look at these two groups as our preview of this summer’s big football party continues!

GROUP E

Germany enters under Julian Nagelsmann with expectations of being genuine contenders. The Ivory Coast, managed by Franck Faé, will be competitive, whilst Ecuador and Curaçao complete a group that offers genuine variety in experience and playing style.

Germany’s rebuild under Nagelsmann has shown promise, with the coach building a side that blends experience with emerging talent. They remain one of Europe’s traditional powers and should be comfortable navigating this group. The Ivory Coast possess technical quality and have shown they can compete at international level, though consistency has sometimes been an issue.

Ecuador qualified from South America and have their own threat, whilst Curaçao, the smallest confederation representative, face a steep challenge against more established sides.

Germany should progress comfortably, with the Ivory Coast likely claiming second place depending on Ecuador’s form.

Bets to consider

  • Ivory Coast to come 2nd in Group E at 2.70
  • Ecuador not to qualify from Group E at 7.00
  • Germany to win Group E at 1.30

GROUP F

The Netherlands, under Ronald Koeman, are European contenders with ambitions of challenging for the tournament. Japan brings Asian quality and have proven themselves consistently competitive, Sweden, managed by Graham Potter, represent Northern European strength, and Tunisia complete the group.

Koeman has experience rebuilding the Dutch for tournament success, and this squad contains the talent to compete at the highest level. Japan have demonstrated tournament nous and a technical approach that makes them dangerous, and one should be careful to underestimate them. Sweden under Potter represent a transitional phase, building toward competitiveness, whilst Tunisia, returning to the tournament, will compete without being expected to progress.

The Netherlands and Japan appear the most likely to advance, with Sweden capable of pushing depending on their preparation and the form of their strikers.

Bets to consider

  • Netherlands to win Group F at 1.72
  • Japan to finish 2nd in Group F at 3.00
  • Sweden not to qualify from Group F at 2.60

Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this tournament, which you can read more about here.

Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 05.06.26