Japan and Sweden head into their final Group F encounter with both managers reshaping their starting lineups. Each side has introduced three changes as they prepare for a match that could determine their route into the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup.
Hajime Moriyasu has refreshed his team by handing starting roles to Yukinari Sugawara, Ayumu Seko and Daizen Maeda. The trio replace Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kaishu Sano and Junya Ito, giving Japan a slightly different balance for their final group fixture.
On the Swedish side, Graham Potter has also made several adjustments after the heavy defeat against the Netherlands. Goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt drops out following the five goals Sweden conceded in the previous match, with Jacob Widell Zetterstrom taking over between the posts. Elliot Stroud and Anthony Elanga are also brought into the lineup, replacing Benjamin Nygren and Jesper Karlstrom.
Starting Lineups
Japan are expected to operate in a 3-4-2-1 formation:
Zion Suzuki starts in goal behind a defensive trio consisting of Yukinari Sugawara, Ko Itakura and Hiroki Ito. Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura provide width, while Ayumu Seko partners Ao Tanaka in midfield. Daichi Kamada and Daizen Maeda support striker Ayase Ueda in attack.
Japan substitutes: Osako, Hayakawa, Taniguchi, Nagatomo, Watanabe, Tomiyasu, Jun Suzuki, Junya Ito, Yuto Suzuki, Kaishu Sano, Machino, Goto, Ogawa and Shiogai.
Sweden are likely to line up with a 3-5-2 system.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom starts in goal. The defensive unit features Lagerbielke, Hlen and Victor Lindelof. Anthony Elanga, Bernhardsson, Elliot Stroud, Ayari and Gudmundsson form the midfield structure, while Viktor Gyokeres partners Alexander Isak up front.
Sweden substitutes: Viktor Johansson, Nordfeldt, H Johansson, Svensson, Ekdal, Starfelt, Smith, Bergvall, Nygren, Sema, Karlstrom, Svanberg, Zeneli, Nilsson and Ali.
The match will be officiated by referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador.
Sweden Searching for Stability
Sweden’s campaign has produced some of the tournament’s most dramatic scorelines. They opened with an emphatic 5-1 victory against Tunisia before suffering a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands in their second outing.
The contrasting results have highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities within Potter’s side. Their attacking threat is undeniable, yet defensive instability has left them vulnerable against stronger opponents.
Remarkably, Sweden became the first team at a World Cup to win one match by four goals and then lose the following game by the same margin. The swings in performance have created uncertainty ahead of their decisive clash with Japan.
Knockout Qualification Scenarios
The final Group F standings remain tightly contested heading into the last round of matches.
| Position | Team | Matches | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 2 | +4 | 4 |
| 2 | Japan | 2 | +4 | 4 |
| 3 | Sweden | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Tunisia | 2 | -8 | 0 |
Japan are not mathematically assured of a place in the knockout rounds, although their strong goal difference and points tally place them in a favorable position. It would require an unlikely combination of results for Moriyasu’s side to miss out.
Sweden enter the fixture under greater pressure. A draw would likely be enough to secure qualification, while even a narrow defeat could still leave them with a chance of progressing depending on other outcomes.
Possible Opponents Await
The outcome of Group F will significantly influence the next stage of the tournament.
The team finishing at the top of the group will travel to Guadalupe to face Morocco on Monday. The runner-up is scheduled to meet Brazil in Houston on the same day.
Should a third-placed team advance, a difficult opponent awaits, with France, Norway, Germany, Mexico or Switzerland all possible destinations.
Japan Quietly Building Momentum
While several traditional contenders have attracted most of the attention, Japan have emerged as one of the tournament’s most impressive teams.
Moriyasu’s squad controlled large stretches of their opening encounter against the Netherlands before comfortably defeating Tunisia. Their performances have combined tactical discipline, energy and defensive organization, making them one of the more balanced teams in the competition.
This final group match offers Japan another opportunity to sharpen their approach before the knockout rounds begin.
Isak Could Hold the Key
Alexander Isak remains Sweden’s most important attacking figure.
The Liverpool forward has shown encouraging signs throughout the tournament, rediscovering the sharpness and confidence that previously made him one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. His movement and finishing ability could prove decisive if Sweden are to secure the result they need.
Potter’s challenge is to create a tactical setup that allows Isak to influence the game without leaving the team exposed defensively. If the balance is right, Sweden possess enough quality to trouble Japan and potentially extend their World Cup journey.
