World Cup 2026: 10 players to watch in Group F - Cody Gakpo, Kaishu Sano and more

The first Group F match of the 2026 World Cup is set to start in two weeks, and here are some players to keep your eyes peeled for.

Group F features four talented nations, including Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, each with players capable of changing games on football's biggest stage.

While household names such as Victor Gyökeres, Virgil van Dijk and Frankie De Jong will attract most of the attention, a number of underrated players could prove just as influential.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Shuei Ishii looks at 10 players from Group F whose recent club and international performances suggest they are worth keeping a close eye on throughout the tournament.

Kaishu Sano (Japan)

Despite Japan missing some key players, such as Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), there is still a very important player in the squad.

Kaishu Sano, a 25-year-old defensive midfielder for Mainz in the Bundesliga, has quietly been putting in a terrific shift in Germany.

The Japanese midfielder has started every game this season, playing a total of over 44 games and was even selected in the 2025 IFFHS Asian Men's Team of the Year.

He also finished among the league leaders in tackles/duels won, recording 362 tackles won, which was one of the best totals in the Bundesliga this season.

Teams in Group F will certainly have a hard time getting past Sano. 

Bart Verbruggen (Netherlands)

While there are several internationally respected players in the backline for the Netherlands, such as Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) and Nathan Ake (Man City), Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen will be equally as important.

Goalkeepers typically reach their peak later in their careers, but Verbruggen is looking very solid in the Premier League already, even at the age of 23.

He has played every single minute in the league this season and has completed over a thousand successful passes, with a save percentage of 70%.

He is the ideal modern goalkeeper and plays a key role in the build-up play for Brighton and the national team. 

Getting past the Netherlands' tough defence is difficult enough, but getting past Verbruggen might prove to be even tougher.

Gabriel Gudmundsson (Sweden)

Once again, there are many stars in the Swedish squad as well. Players such as Alexander Isak (Liverpool) and Victor Gyökeres (Arsenal) have received international praise.

However, the contribution that Gabriel Gudmundsson has made in Leeds’ squad for them to avoid relegation cannot be understated.

Similar to the other players on this list, Gudmundsson has also played almost every game for Leeds this season and has been very consistent throughout. 

He is a traditional left-back with a relentless work rate and high defensive contributions.

Sweden are very scary going forward, but they lack slightly at the back. But luckily for them, Gudmundsson should clear up some of those worries.

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Montassar Talbi (Tunisia)

Tunisia are a very strong defensive side, and a vital reason for that is Lorient centre-back Montassar Talbi. 

Tunisia conceded zero goals in their qualifying stages for the 2026 World Cup, and Talbi’s 1.90m frame, vast experience and respected honours, such as winning Tunisian Footballer of the Year in 2023, have played a key role in making that happen. 

Another player who has started most games for their club team, Talbi is definitely coming into the World Cup high on confidence.  

Daizen Maeda (Japan)

One of the two Celtic players in this list, Daizen Maeda, has finished the season at Celtic in outstanding form.

Across his last 10 matches for Celtic, he has recorded seven goals and provided two assists, playing a crucial role in the Scottish Premiership title run and Scottish Cup final. 

Some of the goals included a winner against Hearts on the final day of the season and an extraordinary overhead kick against rivals Rangers. 

His work rate and recent form will do wonders for the Japanese front three, which are lacking some important players.

Brian Brobbey (Netherlands)

The Netherlands have been without a solid No.9 for some time, but the wait may finally be over.

Brian Brobbey for Sunderland has been firing in goals recently, including important goals against Arsenal and Everton, as he led Sunderland into the Europa League for the first time in their history.

His raw power, pace, and physical dominance will certainly prove to be a handful for defenders in the World Cup. 

Benjamin Nygren (Sweden) 

The second Celtic player on this list, Benjamin Nygren, has accumulated 19 goals and five assists for Celtic this season.

Although Sweden have many top players in their attack, players like Isak (Liverpool) and Elanga (Newcastle) have barely left a dent, while Benjamin Nygren will be coming into the World Cup high on confidence and goals. 

Not to mention, he played a crucial role in Sweden’s World Cup qualification campaign, providing key assists and linking brilliantly with Viktor Gyökeres. 

If Sweden are to make a deep run, Nygren could be one of their most influential players.

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Hannibal Mejibri (Tunisia)

Despite being in a shocking Burnley side, Hannibal Mejibiri still recorded four assists and offered very consistent performances every game, regardless of the result. 

Despite still being relatively young, Hannibal has already gained valuable experience in both the Premier League and international football, playing for Manchester United and Sevilla. 

His work rate, relentless pressing and experience at the top level will bring much energy to Tunisia for this World Cup. 

Ritsu Doan (Japan) 

While he hasn’t exactly shone at club level for Frankfurt this season, Ritsu Doan always performs on the big stage for Japan. 

At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Doan fired a rocket against Spain and slotted a tap-in against Germany at the group stage, helping Japan get a famous win over both sides. 

There's no reason why he can’t replicate those performances again this World Cup. 

Not to mention, in the 2024/25 season, Doan scored 10 Bundesliga goals and provided eight assists, finishing as the club’s top scorer for Freiburg. 

His performances this season do not tell the whole story.

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Another player who hasn’t exactly performed too well at his club this season is Cody Gakpo.

He has faced criticism from some Liverpool supporters for their recent drop in performance. 

However, similar to Doan, his stats at the national level are ridiculously good.

Five goals at the last 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, three goals at UEFA Euro 2024, and four goals and four assists during the 2026 World Cup qualifying, Gakpo is a serious player for the Netherlands and should still be treated as a very scary winger coming into this World Cup.

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