Japan v Sweden: World Cup 2026 – live
Sweden have had quite the rollercoaster ride, with a 5-1 win over Tunisia and a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands. I think they’re the first team since Denmark in 1986 to score and concede at least five in separate games at the same World Cup. I don’t know much about that Denmark team but they sound like fun.
What happens next
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The winners of Group F will meet Morocco in Guadalupe on Monday.
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The runners-up will play Brazil in Houston, also on Monday.
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If the third-placed team qualify, they will play one of France, Norway, Germany, Mexico and Switzerland.
Japan aren’t officially through to the knockout stage, but it’s hard to envisage a scenario whereby they fail to qualify. Sweden probably need a draw but could lose and go through, especially if it’s a narrow defeat.
Rob will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s the briefing from Graham Ruthven’s daily guide on what to know about this Group F matchup:
What to watch for
Japan are flying under the radar as one of the most quietly impressive teams at this World Cup so far. Indeed, Hajime Moriyasu’s side swept aside Tunisia with ease after controlling large periods of their opening match against the Netherlands. They will use this final group game to tune up for the knockout rounds.
Sweden’s strengths and weaknesses have been highlighted for all to see. They became the first side in World Cup history to lose their second match by a four-goal margin after winning their first match by a four-goal margin. Graham Potter’s outfit need more control.
Player to watch: Alexander Isak, Sweden – The Liverpool forward has looked something like his old self at this World Cup and could be a difference-maker if Potter can find the right system to harness him without destabilising the rest of the team.
