48 teams, 48 professionals
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The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has begun: 48 nations will fight for the most coveted trophy in international football starting next Thursday, June 11th. We have pooled the global expertise of our transfer market employees from five continents and, in the run-up to the tournament, we are presenting one player from each team who is a must-have on the list in the next six weeks: from potential rising stars to possible surprises to veterans hungry for success – we continue with Group F, consisting of the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and Sweden.
World Cup 2026: 48 teams, 48 players
Donyell Malen: A candidate for the top scorer crown?
Owen van Leeuwen, Netherlands editor at Transfermarkt: Since moving to AS Roma, Donyell Malen has scored 14 goals and provided two assists in just 18 games – he is in the form of his life after struggling to secure a permanent place in the Premier League with Aston Villa. At Roma he was primarily used as a striker; the question is whether he will also play as a striker in the Dutch national team. Koeman often uses Malen as a winger, but he is usually unable to convince there.
Will Malen now get a chance as a striker or will Koeman rely on his proven attacker Memphis Depay? I think it should be the former. Should Malen get the opportunity as a striker, I believe he can definitely be a candidate for the World Cup top scorer crown – and could play a key role for the Netherlands to go far in the tournament.
Daichi Kamada: Japan’s stabilizer
Takako Maruga, Area Manager Japan at Transfermarkt: In the Japanese national team, where many important players are missing due to injury – such as Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino – or have not been called up, such as Sporting’s Hidemasa Morita, the role of Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada could become even more important this summer. He is likely to start in midfield in place of Wataru Endo alongside Kaishu Sano. Kamada, who won the Conference League, had an outstanding season in South London.
He sometimes plays as an 8th, but I think he is strongest as a defensive midfielder. He can create the connection between attack and defense and play the decisive passes to the front line. His calm and calmness give the team real stability. In addition, his self-confidence, which he has gained through many experiences at a high level, helps the Japanese national team enormously.
Viktor Gyökeres: Sweden’s focal point on the offensive
Joel Clae, Sweden data scout at Transfermarkt: Viktor Gyökeres has the potential to wow spectators at this summer’s World Cup wearing the Swedish national team jersey; his abilities go far beyond scoring goals. The 27-year-old brings strength, speed, pressing qualities and the ability to create opportunities independently. He is now Premier League champion and scored a very decent 21 goals in his first season at Arsenal.
Gyökeres fits perfectly with the Swedish style of play, which is typically characterized by direct, running-intensive football and quick counterattacks. This approach suits Gyökeres because he can secure balls, start runs behind the defense and initiate the pressing with energy and tenacity. The danger lies in making a big impact out of a few opportunities. This is extremely valuable in tournament football, where games are often highly competitive. He could become the focal point around which Sweden builds its entire offensive strategy.
Hannibal: Tunisia’s leader
Yazjel, Tunisia data scout at Transfermarkt: Hannibal has a stronger impact in the Tunisian national team than in club football. I think this is because there is more trust in him there and he is given clear responsibilities by the coaching staff. In the national team, his role is more clearly defined and at the same time more flexible than in the club, which means he can develop his creativity better. His natural leadership strength is also reinforced by the special motivation when he wears the Tunisian national team jersey.
Hannibal can take Tunisia to a new level this summer thanks to the qualities mentioned, as well as his ability to set the rhythm and tempo in knockout games. Of course he can’t do it alone. In order for Tunisia to survive the group stage, they need a strong tournament – and a united team at their side.