Groups E and F Picks and Predictions: 2026 FIFA World Cup

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Sun May 31, 2026, 2:25 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

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FIFA World Cup

Moving right along with some more group previews for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it's time to look at Groups E and F and find our picks! Now, we've found plus money in the former four groups that we broke down, can we do it again?

Check out our other Group Previews below.

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2026 FIFA World Cup – Group E Picks

Wilfried Singo leads the Ivory Coast in their first World Cup appearance since 2014 - Groups E and F Picks

Wilfried Singo leads the Ivory Coast in their first World Cup appearance since 2014

Group E is fairly cut and dry according to the oddsmakers, with Germany, Ecuador, the Ivory Coast, and Curacao.

Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel Sportsbook.

Odds to Win Group E

  • Germany -290
  • Ecuador +350
  • Ivory Coast +650
  • Curacao +12500

I am having a tough time finding value in this group to be honest. To me, it seems like the oddsmakers got this one right. We should see the top three advancing from this group, as I believe all will beat Curacao. The other three teams are all in the top 35 of FIFA's World Rankings, while Curacao is No. 82.

Group E Best Bet: Ivory Coast to Finish 2nd (+190)

This is just a half unit sprinkle. Like I said, this was the toughest group for me to handicap. But for nearly 2-1 odds, I think we take a stab at the African side to finish second over Ecuador. For 10 extra cents, you could take the exact dual forecast for Germany to finish first and Ecuador to finish second, but I am slightly afraid of things getting freaky, especially if goal differential comes to play.

Looking at hypotheticals, if Germany, Ecuador and the Ivory Coast all beat Curacao, and draw with each other, we will have three teams tied with five points. In this scenario, goals against the last team in the group could heavily come into play, and with the Ivory Coast playing Curacao last, they would know exactly how bad they'd need to run up the score to advance.

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2026 FIFA World Cup – Group F Picks

Ristu Doan was the only multi-goal scorer for Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - Groups E and F Picks

Ristu Doan was the only multi-goal scorer for Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Group F could very well be the actual Group of Death. The Netherlands and Japan are in the top 10 and top 20 respectively in the world, and Sweden breaks the top 40 as well. Tunisia is the odd man out, but they are still a top 45 club in the world, according to FIFA's current rankings.

Odds to Win Group F

  • Netherlands -125
  • Japan +260
  • Sweden +400
  • Tunisia +1100

Group F Best Bet: Netherlands/Japan Dual Forecast (+150)

Now this differs from our bet in Group B with Switzerland and Canada slightly. We bet on the Swiss to finish first, and Canada to finish second. Here in Group F, we just need the Netherlands and Japan to finish in the top two spots, regardless of the order. Either can top the group, as long as the other is the runner up.

We already have a small stake in the Netherlands to win the entire World Cup, and I like the price of -125 to top the group, but don't need an extra investment. If you wanted to go even further, you could take the exact dual forecast, with Netherlands on top and Japan in second for +300, but this is fine with me.

Let's talk travel. The Netherlands are the only club in this group that will not be dealing with international borders. They are headquartered in Kansas City, and they play matches in Dallas, Houston, and KC. Japan and Sweden are staying in Nashville and Dallas, but head to Guadalupe to face Tunisia.

The African side is staying in Monterrey, playing two matches in Mexico, but coming up to Kansas City to face the Netherlands in the group finale. I think this gives the Dutch an edge to top this group, but their first match against Japan will be the kicker.

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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