{"id":1462315,"date":"2026-06-23T19:16:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T18:16:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1462315"},"modified":"2026-06-23T19:16:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T18:16:34","slug":"japan-vs-sweden-team-news-predicted-lineups","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/japan-vs-sweden-team-news-predicted-lineups\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan vs Sweden team news and predicted lineups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Japan<\/a> and Sweden<\/a> face off in the 2026 World Cup<\/a> on Friday at 12am (UK time) with both sides looking to reach the knockout stages.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan come into the game in the better position, sitting second in Group F after two matches. They drew their opening game, twice coming from behind to hold the Netherlands<\/a>. Samurai Blue<\/em> were comfortable victors in their very next game, though, beating Tunisia<\/a> 4-0. It means Japan only need to draw with Sweden to secure their spot in the last-32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things are pretty straightforward for Sweden too. They know victory over Japan will seal their spot in the knockout stages after a mixed start to the World Cup. Sweden started the tournament with a big win over Tunisia, thumping their opponents 5-1. But they then lost by that same scoreline to the Netherlands, falling apart when they had been expected to at least get a draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be the fifth meeting between these two sides, with Sweden unbeaten in the previous four. However, three of those were draws, and this will be the first competitive meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n

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