Japan vs Sweden — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 3
Venue
To be confirmed
Date
Thursday, 25 June 2026
Kickoff
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Japan and Sweden close out Group F in what could be a straight shootout for a knockout place. Hajime Moriyasu's Japan are quick and technical, with Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo providing width and Wataru Endo holding midfield.
Graham Potter's Sweden lean on a fearsome strike pairing in Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, with Anthony Elanga's pace adding another dimension.
Japan's tempo versus Sweden's directness and aerial power should produce an open, end-to-end affair.
Key storylines
- 01Gyökeres and Isak — one of the tournament's most potent strike duos
- 02Japan's pace and pressing against Sweden's physicality
- 03A potential winner-takes-second clash in Group F
Prediction
Kickoff editorial call
Japan 1-2 Sweden
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Japan
Formation 3-4-2-1- 1Z. Suzuki
- 2T. Tomiyasu
