Japan vs Sweden Prediction: Group F day of destiny in Dallas

Group F reaches its conclusion with late-night (UK-time) contests between Japan/Sweden, and Tunisia/Netherlands, both scheduled for midnight Thursday, running into the early hours of Friday, June 26.

All still to play for, as with the extended 48-strong World Cup this time around countries occupying third spot in their Groups when the dust settles will hope they're among the best eight of the rest as it were, and reach the next phase.

I'm concentrating here on Japan and Sweden, second and third in the table respectively at present, for what should be a fascinating and thrilling affair. Without further ado then ...

2026 World Cup

Group F

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Form
1	Netherlands	2	1	1	0	7	3	4	4	D W
2	Japan	2	1	1	0	6	2	4	4	D W
3	Sweden	2	1	0	1	6	6	0	3	W L
4	Tunisia	2	0	0	2	1	9	-8	0	L L

View All Groups

Japan vs Sweden Odds

Japan are 4/5, the Draw 13/5, and Sweden 16/5. There's a 55.6% probability then, at the odds, of Japan coming out on top, while the Draw as priced represents 27.8%.

Team News

Japan aren't having a clear run at this World Cup, with skipper Wataru Endo absent throughout and now Takefusa Kubo laid low with a knee issue picked up during the Netherlands draw.

Shuto Machino has yet to figure due to ill-health.

As for the Swedes, they shipped far too many goals last time against Netherlands but manager Graham Potter seemed pretty sanguine about things, and wholesale changes are thought to be extremely unlikely.

"I thought the reaction after the half-time break was really, really good. I thought we were the better team, actually. But unfortunately we conceded again and, obviously, if you concede goals, it's a problem. So the scoreline, I think, was a bit harsh on us."

I agree with the former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss, but pressing for starts must be the likes of Anthony Elanga and Lucas Bergvall.

We'll post the lineups below as we receive them, closer to kick-off.

Draw @ 13/5

I tipped up Sweden, with bags of confidence, to defy firm underdog status against Netherlands and had my fingers burned. And yet; and yet indeed. They were 2-0 down inside 17 minutes before Sweden could get themselves organised, then proceeded to create chance after spurned chance.

The second period followed a similar pattern in that Netherlands found the net with alarming ease while Sweden, despite Elanga finally reducing the deficit, once more huffed and puffed without the necessary to convert.

5-1 massively flattered the Netherlands for me, and Sweden remain a threat. As for Japan, they fought out a tepid stalemate against Netherlands before looking far more like their old selves against Group minnows Tunisia, scoring four without reply.

So - a somewhat rejuvenated Japan face a bruised Sweden in a match with plenty riding on it in terms of final Group finishing position. I like Sweden and hope they can be a little less porous going forward. I like Japan too, and admire their effectiveness, collective spirit, and tremendous industry.

I'm hoping a draw can be the conclusion in what I'm sure will be an entertaining affair, which would be fine I suspect for both parties, and I'm sticking my neck out (why not?) as to the scoreline I fancy.

World Cup Odds

Alexander Isak to score at any time @ 2/1

For the Swedes to slightly defy the layers their Premier League strike duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres need to feature far more as they did in the Tunisia opener, and not as quietly and wastefully as when facing Oranje.

Isak scored against Tunisia but could muster only one shot on target when faced with Van Dijk and company the other day. His country needs him now big-time; as it's feasible they'll need to get something from this to ensure their continued participation in the tournament.

He's had a difficult 12 months or more of transfer limbo, controversy and injury, but for me remains an elite striker searching for a run of games and a groove to slide in to. When that happens it could be a case of watch out.

Happy to take the 2s about scoring at any time and fingers crossed that he can do just that.

Sub Switch

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Sub Switch

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