Japan vs Sweden prediction 26.06.2026 | World Cup

Japan have been regular at the World Cup since 1998, but without significant successes. The current team has some injury issues, but they still seem good enough for their first-ever quarterfinal. Japan opened the tournament with a very good 2-2 against the Netherlands, while a week later, Samurai Blue beat Tunisia 4-0. With those two games, Japan's unbeaten streak ended at nine matches.

With four points from the first two matches, Japan will probably progress to the knockout phase. They could even end up at the top of the group standings, but for that, Hajime Moriyasu's team will likely need a big victory in the final round against Sweden.

Hajime Moriyasu was satisfied with his team's victory in the last round against Tunisia. He said, "It was our second ​game of the World Cup, a match of ⁠high tension, and one that people all over ​the world were watching. I am very happy that ​we were able to secure a victory in such a game". The head coach also commented that it is painful to see so many injuries, but according to Moriyasu, Japan is built on the concept that whoever ‌steps ⁠onto the pitch can win.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), and Takumi Minamino (Monaco) failed to recover in time for the tournament. In the World Cup opening round, Takefusa Kubo suffered a knee injury, too. He skipped the game against Tunisia and is unlikely to play in the final match of the group phase.

Sweden have often reached the final stages of the World Cup, and the current team hopes to do the same. Sweden began the World Cup in style with a convincing 5-1 win over Tunisia. However, Graham Potter's team was given a reality check in their second match, falling 5-1 to group favorites the Netherlands. Sweden remains on three points, but they are still in a strong position, as that tally could prove enough to secure a place in the knockout stage.

Graham Potter was obviously disappointed after a defeat in the previous match. He said, "Obviously, really disappointed. It was a tricky one to analyse, we did lots of good things. We attacked, had good opportunities, but you can't concede that many and hope to win. We'll learn a lot from the game."

Sweden should have all players available for Thursday's match in Arlington.