Japan vs Sweden: The wait is nearly over for the Group F finale. As the Samurai Blue prepare to step onto the pitch at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington for their 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Sweden, the narrative is rich with confidence and tactical discipline.
Hajime Moriyasu's side isn't just focused on securing a top-two finish; they are aiming to cap off the group stage with momentum after becoming the first Asian nation to score four goals in a single World Cup match during their 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia.
On the other hand, the stakes could not be higher for Blagult. As Sweden prepares to step onto the pitch at the Dallas Stadium in Texas for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F decider against Japan, the narrative is one of absolute necessity
and redemption.
Graham Potter's side isn't just focused on bouncing back from a bruising 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands; they are fighting for their tournament survival. Needing a victory to leapfrog Japan, Potter is expected to make bold tactical adjustments.
Here is how Japan and Sweden are expected to line up for this highly anticipated clash.
The Injury List: Kubo and Endo Missing
The biggest concern across the Japanese camp involves the treatment table. Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo continues to nurse a knee injury and remains a significant doubt, completely missing the projected XI. Furthermore, captain Wataru Endo was previously ruled out of the tournament, and Shuto Machino remains sidelined due to illness.
In goal, Zion Suzuki will anchor the defense from the back. In front of him, the defensive wall will stick to the reliable back three. Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to partner Ko Itakura and Hiroki Ito to neutralize Sweden's dangerous attacking duo.
In the midfield, Moriyasu has dynamic flexibility but will likely name an unchanged side from the Tunisia triumph. Kaishu Sano and Ao Tanaka will bring their trademark tireless work rate to dominate the center of the pitch. Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura are tasked with operating as relentless wing-backs, providing both defensive cover and wide attacking transitions.
Up front, all eyes naturally gravitate toward the in-form forwards. Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito will operate in the pockets, orchestrating the attack and feeding the talismanic striker Ayase Ueda. After bagging a brace last time out, Ueda is poised to create even more headaches for a leaky Swedish defense.
Predicted Japan Starting XI vs. Sweden: Zion Suzuki, Hiroki Ito, Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda.
Defensive Reshuffle and Elanga's Pace
The biggest task for Potter this week on the training ground has been fixing a fragile defense that has leaked six goals in two games. Kristoffer Nordfeldt will start between the sticks. In front of him, the back three of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Isak Hien, and Victor Lindelof are expected to keep their places, though they will need to be flawless against Japan's rapid counter-attacks.
The wings, however, could see a major change. Anthony Elanga caused real problems with his speed and scored off the bench against the Dutch. The Nottingham Forest man is heavily tipped to earn a promotion to the starting XI as the right wing-back, opposite Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Potter is set to unleash youth in the midfield. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall could earn his first start of the tournament, replacing Benjamin Nygren to make Sweden harder to play through. He will partner Jesper Karlstrom and Yasin Ayari to dictate the tempo and provide a sturdy shield for the defense.
Up front, all hopes rest on one of the best strike partnerships in the tournament. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres will continue to lead the line. Both strikers are fully fit, highly explosive, and capable of turning the game on its head.
Predicted Sweden Starting XI vs. Japan: Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Isak Hien, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Elanga, Lucas Bergvall, Jesper Karlstrom, Yasin Ayari, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak.
