Preview: Japan vs Sweden prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Blue Samurai eye top two finish with win over Scandinavian nation

Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas, United States of America, gears up to host the final Matchweek fixtures in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Asian powerhouse Japan take on Sweden in a thrilling contest.

After the conclusion of Matchweek 4, Group F is in a very interesting scenario. Tunisia are eliminated after losing both their games. Japan and the Netherlands find themselves atop with 4 points each and Sweden are placed third with 3 points.

The Blue Samurai are just a point away from sealing a top-two finish in the group stages. However, in order to top Group F, they must win the game big and hope the Netherlands either drops points or wins by a small margin. As things stand, there is not much to separate the two sides atop, and the Dutch are ahead in goals scored.

Japan kickstarted their campaign holding European giants Netherlands to a 2-2 draw before thrashing Tunisia 4-0. They also became the first Asian team to score four goals in a single World Cup match. They are in sublime form but the next opponent they face won’t be easy.

Sweden‘s obsession with the scoreline 5-1 is on a different level. They kick-started their campaign with a 5-1 win over Tunisia but suffered a 5-1 defeat to the Dutch in the last game. The Blue and Yellow lost a World Cup match by three or more goals for the first time since the 1958 Finals against Brazil.

Graham Potter’s side conceded six goals across their two World Cup matches so far, and the former Chelsea boss must fix his defensive woes ahead of a crucial game against Japan. A win would confirm a top-two finish; even a draw or a defeat would still put them ahead among the best third-ranked teams.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
• Stadium: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
• Date: Thursday, June 25
• Kick-off time: 11 p.m. BST [4:30 a.m. IST, Friday, June 26 / 6 p.m. local CDT]
• Referee: Iván Arcides Barton Cisneros (El Salvador)
• VAR: In use

Form:

Japan (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-W

Sweden (in all competitions): L-W-D-L-W

Players to Watch

Daichi Kamada (Japan)

Kamada rose to prominence after his stint with Eintracht Frankfurt saw the German outfit clinching the UEFA Europa League under the tutelage of Oliver Glasner. Glasner brought Daichi Kamada with him to Crystal Palace and they again went on to win the Conference League.

Kamada kick-started the World Cup in the most dominating manner. He scored in both games for Japan against the Netherlands and Tunisia. The attacking midfielder is the central link-man of the Samurai Blue attacks, who operates exceptionally well even in crowded pocket areas.

Victor Lindelof (Sweden)

One of the highly decorated Swedish players in their World Cup squad, Lindelof, won the Euro U21 with the Sweden U21 team. From winning the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup with United to four Liga Portugal titles with Benfica, silverwares keep following Lindelof, who is coming after winning Europa League with Palace.

Nicknamed the Iceman, Lindelof is calm even in high-pressure situations. He prioritises defensive discipline and relies on sharp anticipation rather than reckless physical challenges. He will be a key player to watch out for Sweden in the next game.

Match Facts

• The only time Japan defeated Sweden was back in 1936 Olympic games
• These two sides are set to meet each other after 24 years
• Kennet Andersson of Sweden is the leading goal scorer in this fixture.

Japan vs Sweden: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in a draw – 9/4 with Betfred
• Viktor Gyokeres to score – 7/4 with Betfred
• Japan 2-2 Sweden – 12/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Japan’s Takefusa Kubo is out for the next game who injured his left knee against the Netherlands.

Sweden have no injury concerns for the next game and Graham Potter will have a fully fit and available side.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 05

Japan won: 01

Sweden won: 02

Matches drawn: 02

Predicted Lineups

Japan predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Zion Suzuki (GK); Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ko Itakura, Hiroki Ito; Ritsu Doan, Kaisei Sano, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura; Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada; Ayase Ueda.

Sweden predicted lineup (3-5-2)

Kristoffer Nordfeldt (GK); Victor Lindelöf (c), Isak Hien, Gustaf Lagerbielke; Gabriel Gudmundsson, Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren, Jesper Karlström, Gustaf Bernhardsson; Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres.

Match Prediction

This is a must win game for Sweden and for Japan as well if they aspire to finish atop Group F. Sweden’s attacking duo of Isak and Gyokeres looks deadly. We expect the Swedish players to hold Japan to a 2-2 draw.

Prediction: Japan 2-2 Sweden

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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