Japan aims to clinch top spot in World Cup Group Six against Sweden

Japan enters the final group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with four points, leading Group Six on goal difference over the Netherlands. The team will face Sweden on Thursday in Dallas, Texas, with a win guaranteeing either first place or at least second place and progression to the round of 32.

Sweden sit third with three points and must defeat Japan while hoping the Netherlands lose to Tunisia to have any chance of advancing. Swedish attack is highlighted by the striker duo Alexander Isak and Victor Joakim. Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu is expected to rotate his squad to maintain freshness after using 22 players so far.

The outcome of the match will determine the group leader and set the round‑of‑32 opponents, as the top two teams will face the winners of Group 3, which include Brazil, Morocco and Scotland.