Japan face Sweden in a must-win Group F showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sat on four points, Japan just need to avoid defeat to automatically qualify for the knockout stages although they can top the group if they better Netherlands’ result against Tunisia.
Sweden will qualify automatically for the knockout stages with a win and would top the group if Netherlands fail to match their result.
Team News
Japan have no fresh injury concerns after their 4-0 win over Tunisia, as Takefusa Kubo remains sidelined with a knee injury but is set to return for the knockout stages.
Sweden have no fresh injury concerns after their 5-1 defeat against Netherlands.
When is Kick-Off?
Japan face Sweden at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA, on Thursday 25 June at 6pm CDT (00:00am BST, Friday 26 June), live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Japan’s first World Cup meeting against Sweden.
- Excluding penalty shootouts, Sweden are yet to lose to Japan in all competitions (W3, D3).
- Each of Sweden’s three wins over Japan excluding penalty shootouts were by 1-0 results.
- Alexander Isak has been involved in four of Sweden’s six group goals – having produced one goal and three assists in two appearances.
- Ayase Ueda has produced three of Japan’s eight shots on target in the group stage.
Prediction
With an automatic knockout spot in their own hands, Japan could easily go defensive and park the bus after a ruthless display against Tunisia but I expect them to come out and produce a good fight as top spot is still up for grabs as could mean an easier Round of 32 tie.
Sweden likewise have to produce a strong performance but after their defensive collapse against a high-pressing Netherlands, they now must reset and tighten up because they still have a chance of topping the group and avoiding a potential date with Brazil.
This clash therefore should be a cracking encounter if both teams turn up with their best game but given Sweden’s defensive vulnerability, I actually fancy Japan to nick this.
Prediction: Japan 2-1 Sweden
Result: Japan 1-1 Sweden