Japan vs Sweden live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest line-ups and buildup

Japan and Sweden still have a lot to play for as they face each other in their Group F finale at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan are on four points after drawing with Netherlands and smashing Tunisia, while Sweden are on three points after throttling Tunisia 5-1 but then losing to Netherlands by the same scoreline. The stakes are high for both teams, but it is clear that they have already gained significant ground in the competition. Despite their current standings, Japan and Sweden are likely to proceed to the knockout stage, regardless of the outcome of this match. This game is a chance for both teams to finish top of Group F with a win and some help from Tunisia against Netherlands in a game that kicks off simultaneously in Kansas City, USA.

The teams are looking to secure a position in the knockout stages, and a win in this match would give them a strong chance to top their group. With both teams having already made significant contributions to the competition, it is clear that they have what it takes to move forward in the tournament. The Group F finale marks the beginning of the final day of the group stage, and both teams will want to make a strong impression. Japan has a clear goal of topping their group, while Sweden aims to progress despite having a weaker start to the tournament. The final games in each World Cup group take place simultaneously, and the competition is expected to be fierce.

Tonight will mark the first ever World Cup matchup between Japan and Sweden. The two nations have faced off in four friendlies over the years, with three resulting in draws and the lone victory going to Japan. Their previous encounter was in 2002 in Japan, where they drew 1-1. Japan's win against Sweden came all the way back in 1936 at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament, marking a significant moment in their rivalry. This game offers a chance for the teams to write a new chapter in their history.

The players are out on the pitch, and both teams have performed stirring renditions of their national anthems. Kick-off is right around the corner. Japan enters play having scored six goals already at the 2026 World Cup, which already represents the most the nation has scored in a group stage at any tournament. In fact, six goals also happens to be the nation's record for an entire tournament, a record previously set at the 2018 World Cup.

There was one guy with a Magikarp hat, and fans from both teams were jokingly heckling him. I get it. Worst pokemon. There are a lot of Mexican fans here in Dallas, and they all appear to be on the side of Japan, many also wearing Japan garb. The fanbases have been going viral together all tournament, and their shared love of Japanese anime has made them even closer. I've seen several people dressed up as Goku from Dragon Ball.

While their odds are not as strong as Japan's, Sweden also enters play with a very strong likelihood of advancing to the knockout stages regardless of result. There is even a scenario in which Sweden can still win the group. Amid trying to work out this Sweden formation, Graham Potter has changed his goalkeeper, and brought in Jacob Zetterstrom in place of Kristoffer Nordfeldt. There have been quite a few goalkeeping changes so far - he'll be the 55th goalkeeper to play at this tournament.

Despite how crowded Group F is towards the top, Japan finds themselves in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages almost regardless of the outcome of tonight's match. In fact, there is a pretty realistic scenario where Japan wins Group F outright. Overall, there is approximately a 99 per cent chance that Japan advances through to the Round of 32. Some extremely cool tifos and banners from Japan fans here in Dallas. They briefly unfurled two giant ones down to the lower levels.

Normally, FIFA strictly mandates that final group stage matches start simultaneously. You can thank the 1982 'Disgrace of Gijón,' where West Germany and Austria effectively stopped playing after an early 1-0 German lead, ensuring both European teams advanced while eliminating Algeria, who had played the previous day. The Athletic has confirmed that severe weather delays fall under force majeure. So, if thunderstorms stall the kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium, the game in Arlington will proceed exactly on time at 6:00 p.m. CT.

While Sweden’s XI in Texas is as follows: Sweden (3-4-1-2): Zetterstrom; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Bernhardsson, Ayari, Stroud, Gudmundsson; Elanga; Gyokeres, Isak. Graham Potter's XI is as many Swedish papers were convinced of this morning. The question is quite what formation that means. The key change is Anthony Elanga coming in for Benjamin Nygren, which might mean a switch from 3-5-2 to 3-4-3. But the more confusing aspect is Elliot Stroud, generally a left-wing-back, replacing holding midfielder Jesper Karlstrom. How does that work?

Graham Potter has chosen Jacob Zetterstrom as the new goalkeeper, a towering figure at 6ft 6ins. Zetterstrom is only winning his fourth cap but he is a decade younger than Nordfeldt so is more of an option for the future. The versatile Elliot Stroud, sometimes a left wing-back, could be set to play in central midfield alongside Yasin Ayari, with Jesper Karlstrom dropping out. Then Celtic's Benjamin Nygren, who was used as a third central midfielder in a 3-5-2 shape against the Dutch, is out, with electric winger Anthony Elanga in.

Shogo Taniguchi, 34, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all started as part of the defensive trio so far at the tournament. The midfield four from the 4-0 win against Tunisia is retained, albeit we expect Ritsu Doan to move forward to one of the attacking midfield slots, with the more defensively minded Yukinari Sugawara in at right wing-back instead. Striker Ayase Ueda is retained, with Doan's shift forward displacing Junya Ito, and Daizen Maeda replaces Kaishu Sano as left-sided No 10 in one of three changes.

The key change in Japan's XI is the selection of a more classic winger in Daizen Maeda, who could target Sweden's right flank behind wing-back Alexander Bernhardsson and the slightly shaky Gustaf Lagerbielke. That is likely to be a key area of focus for Japan's attack, and they are expected to exploit Sweden's vulnerability on this side. Japan has made several changes to their lineup, with Ayumu Seko starting in the back three alongside Ko Itakura and Hiroki Ito in a bid to find the right balance and chemistry.