A huge match in Group F of the 2026 World Cup sees Japan and Sweden competing for a place in the next round, with neither team having secured qualification yet.
For Japan, the situation is in their favor, as they are ahead of today’s rivals with 4 points. While an unfavorable result would leave them in third place, they are in a strong position after drawing with the Netherlands and earning a convincing victory over Tunisia.
Sweden have had very different performances in their two matches so far. After a solid 5-1 victory over Tunisia, they were beaten 5-1 by the Netherlands, leaving them also with a chance to qualify as one of the best eight third-placed teams in the competition.
Japan vs Sweden lineups
In this match, Hajime Moriyasu opted for this lineup for Japan: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, H. Ito; Sugawara, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Doan, Maeda; Ueda.
The Netherlands easily beat Sweden to lead the group (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The lineup Sweden manager Graham Potter picked is: Zetterstrom; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Bernhardsson, Ayari, Stroud, Gudmundsson; Elanga; Gyokeres, Isak.
see also
How to watch Japan vs Sweden in USA: 2026 World Cup, Live Stream, TV & Preview
Group F standings
The Netherlands are first with 4 points, a +4 goal difference and 7 goals scored. Japan are second with 4 points, a +4 goal difference and 6 goals scored. Sweden are third with 3 points, a 0 goal difference and 6 goals scored, while Tunisia have already been eliminated with 0 points and a -8 goal difference.
