Japan players warm up during a training session. (AFP)
Arlington: Japan will be determined to not slip up when they face Sweden in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F tie.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side are level on four points with the Netherlands but second in the standings on goal difference and know avoiding defeat against Sweden will be enough to extend their stay at the Finals.
Japan arrive in Arlington with the look of a team growing into the tournament. Their opening 2-2 draw with the Netherlands showed discipline and resilience but it was the 4-0 dismantling of Tunisia that underlined their attacking threat and tactical maturity.
Moriyasu’s side are at their best when the game is played on their terms – compact without the ball, quick to spring forward and precise when space opens up.
That balance has made Japan one of Asia’s most consistent performers on the world stage and the momentum is firmly with them.
Daichi Kamada and Keito Nakamura have already opened their accounts in the tournament, while Takefusa Kubo - who missed the Tunisia tie due to injury - and Ritsu Doan offer creativity and width needed to unsettle Sweden’s backline.
If Japan are able to move the ball quickly through midfield and isolate their wide players, they have the tools to cause serious damage.
Sweden, however, remain dangerous. Their 5-1 win over Tunisia showed the threat they carry but the 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands exposed defensive vulnerabilities that Japan will be eager to exploit. AFC
