Japan vs Sweden: World Cup 2026 preview

Japan and Sweden meet at Dallas Stadium on 25 June 2026, kicking off at 23:00 GMT (18:00 EST). The Group F fixture carries major stakes after Matchday 2: Japan routed Tunisia 4–0 in Monterrey, while Sweden were beaten 5–1 by the Netherlands in Houston. Hajime Moriyasu’s side arrive with momentum from a dominant win that featured goals from Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda (two) and Junya Ito.

Japan are set up in a 3-4-3 with Zion Suzuki in goal, a back three of Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ko Itakura, wing-backs Keito Nakamura and Ritsu Doan, midfielders Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka, and a frontline of Ueda, Kota Sano and Junya Ito. Moriyasu must balance his team’s attacking tempo with tight defensive discipline, particularly around the midfield pivot.

Graham Potter’s Sweden must address defensive lapses after conceding five in Houston, but retain a physical squad built for quick transitions.

United States, Dallas

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