Sabasports Match Preview
World Cup: Japan vs Sweden
Kickoff Time: 2026-6-26 7:00 (HKT)
Japan cruised to a 4-0 victory over Tunisia in their last group match, a result that put them firmly in control of their qualification fate. After the first two group fixtures, Japan sit second in the group with one win and one draw. For the Samurai Blue, a draw or win in their final group game will guarantee their progression to the knockout stage. With Takefusa Kubo sidelined through injury, Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada has taken charge of linking play and orchestrating attacks up front. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing have become a dependable attacking outlet for Japan. Meanwhile, following Wataru Endo’s absence, Ko Itakura has been handed the captain’s armband. His strong leadership and sharp defensive awareness anchor the team’s backline. Additionally, Ao Tanaka, Endo’s natural successor, shoulders key defensive and transitional duties in defensive midfield. Against Tunisia, Tanaka turned in an impressive display with robust interceptions and precise distribution, seamlessly facilitating Japan’s transitions between attack and defence. Up front, Ayase Ueda has stepped up as the team’s primary finisher, bagging a brace in the previous match to play a pivotal role in the landslide win.
Sweden suffered a crushing 1-5 defeat to the Netherlands in their last group game, marking their first loss of this World Cup campaign. They currently occupy third place in the group with one win and one defeat. The Netherlands are set to face Tunisia, the weakest side in the group, in their final match and are widely expected to claim all three points. This leaves Sweden with a tough task: failure to win their last fixture will likely force them to compete for one of the eight best third-place spots to advance. Should the third-placed side from Group F reach the Round of 32, their prospective opponent would likely be either France or Germany. Sweden are desperate to avoid facing such elite competition at the earliest knockout stage. Across their opening two group games, the attacking tandem of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres remains Sweden’s most lethal threat. Though Isak endured a lengthy spell of fitness struggles and underwhelming form during his last season at Liverpool, he has rediscovered the blistering form he showed at Newcastle on the fields of the United States, Canada and Mexico. As for Gyökeres, fresh off lifting the Premier League title with Arsenal, he has carried his stellar run of form into this World Cup, highlighted by his goal and assist against Tunisia.
While Sweden boast devastating attacking power, they are plagued by defensive frailties. In contrast, Japan deliver far more balanced performances across both attack and defence. Especially after holding the Netherlands to a draw in their opener, Japan have built significant psychological confidence when facing European opposition. With Sweden’s defensive vulnerabilities offsetting their attacking strengths, the more consistent and well-rounded Japan are clear favourites heading into this fixture.
Japan ‘s Last 5 Games: WDWWW
26-06-21 Tunisia 0-4 Japan
26-06-15 Netherlands 2-2 Japan
26-05-31 Japan 1-0 Iceland
26-04-01 England 0-1 Japan
26-03-29 Scotland 0-1 Japan
Sweden ‘s Last 5 Games: LWDLW
26-06-21 Netherlands 5-1 Sweden
26-06-15 Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
26-06-05 Sweden 2-2 Greece
26-06-02 Norway 3-1 Sweden
26-04-01 Sweden 3-2 Poland
Prediction: Japan to win