- Japan drew 2-2 against Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup, Group F 2026 opener and sit second on 1 point in the group.
- Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup, Group F 2026 opening game and sit top of the group on 3 points.
- Japan are unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions (W4, D1) while Sweden have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 matches in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
Japan v Sweden, A match of styles
Japan's high-tempo, fluid 3-4-2-1 system will face off against Sweden's more rigid, compact shape in what should be a tactical chess match at Dallas Stadium, USA.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has overseen the international development of this side since 2018, has honed a tactically flexible and disciplined group of players. The Samurai Blue tend to play with high intensity and fluidity, using fast transitions, positional interchange, and energetic wing-backs to create numerical superiority in certain areas of the pitch.
On the other hand, Sweden's boss Graham Potter, appointed in October 2025, has quickly installed a more pragmatic structure on the side. The Swedes will sit deep and defend with a compact, disciplined shape, looking to build from the back, play early vertical passes, and be dangerous on set-pieces.
Japan have more form in the game
Japan come into this game as 59/50 favourites, which seems about right considering the fact that they are unbeaten in their last 3 away matches, a sequence which includes a win over England and a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. In contrast, Sweden have won 1 and lost 1 of their last 2 fixtures away from home, losing 3-1 to Norway two weeks ago.
Japan have an excellent chance of winning the game in 90 minutes, but under 2.5 goals looks an attractive play in the match result market considering both sides' defensive solidity and the odds available (81/100).
Viktor Gyoekeres is in form
Daichi Kamada has already scored in the World Cup group stages while Koki Ogawa has an assist and can be trusted to supply from the flanks.
Viktor Gyoekeres has scored 6 in Sweden's last 5 games and has been in blistering form for the Blaugelben.
Yasin Ayari scored a brace in Sweden's 5-1 opener against Tunisia and leads the scoring charts for the Swedes, while Alexander Isak has 2 assists in the 2026 tournament.
