Sweden needs a win over Japan on Thursday to stand a chance of clinching one of the automatic qualifying spots in Group F at the World Cup 2026.
MORE: FIFA World Cup 2026 power rankings
June 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, U.S.; Sweden’s Taha Ali. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
How to Watch Japan vs Sweden
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 6:45 PM EDT
Channel: FOX Sports 1, TyC Sports
Stream: Fubo (try for free)
It’s incredibly tight in Group F at World Cup 2026 as Japan and Sweden face off at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, each in hot pursuit of a knockout-stage berth. A single point separates second-place Japan from Sweden in third as things stand, with both teams still in the running to finish anywhere among the top three.
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From Japan’s perspective, the current landscape means a draw would be enough to lock down second place and could even elevate it to first, provided Tunisia pulled off an upset win over the Netherlands. A draw could also bag Sweden a spot in the last 32 as one of the best third-place finishers, though a win would be far more preferable for Graham Potter’s side and could even lift them to first against the odds.
The Blue and Yellow smashed Tunisia 5-1 in its opener, only to have the same scoreline inflicted upon them by the Dutch last time out. Japan fared far better with De Oranje and snatched a 2-2 draw before pummeling Tunisia 4-0, which has created a very tight competition at the head of Group F.
Neither team has any new injury issues heading to Arlington, Texas, though Japan could be boosted by the return of Shuto Machino after he sat out the last game due to illness. Meanwhile, Potter may not look to ring the changes for Sweden despite a hefty defeat last time out, though winger Anthony Elanga is one who could be rotated into the team after netting their consolation goal against the Netherlands.
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