Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- World Cup Group F's decisive final match sees Japan face Sweden with knockout stage qualification at stake. Japan deploys a 3-4-3 system under Hajime Moriyasu, with Daizen Maeda (28, Celtic), Kiyo Ueda (27, Feyenoord) and number 10 Ritsu Doan (28, Eintracht Frankfurt) forming the front three. Doan, who scored consecutive goals against Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, carries the team's attacking hopes.
- Sweden arrives with momentum after Graham Potter took charge in October 2025 and guided them through play-off victories over Ukraine (3-1) and Poland (3-2). Their world-class strike partnership of Alexander Isak (26, Liverpool) and Viktor Gyökeres (28, Arsenal), both proven Premier League scorers, poses the primary threat. The 3-4-1-2 formation features Anthony Elanga (24, Nottingham Forest) in the number 10 role.
- Japan's midfield axis combines Ao Tanaka (27, Leeds United), scorer of the winning goal against Spain at the 2022 World Cup, with Daichi Kamada (29, Crystal Palace), a Europa League winner with Frankfurt. Left wing-back Keito Nakamura (25, Reims) starts with his pace and dribbling ability tasked with threatening down the flank.
- The defensive trio features left-footed Hiroki Ito (27, Bayern Munich), 2022 World Cup standout Ko Itakura (29, Ajax), and versatile Ayumu Seko (26, Le Havre) who can also operate in midfield. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (23, Parma) leverages his 190cm frame to marshal the defense. The three-man backline's coordination and aerial ability will be crucial against Sweden's powerful front two.
- Japan's bench offers rich attacking options. Veteran Junya Ito (33, Genk) provides explosive pace down the right as an impact substitute. Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu (26) offers defensive solidity, while 20-year-old striker Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truidense, 8 goals in 21 Belgian league games) and prolific NEC forward Koki Ogawa (28) provide different attacking dimensions.
- Sweden's defense is marshalled by captain Victor Lindelöf (31, Aston Villa, 75 caps) in a three-man backline alongside Atalanta's Isak Hien (26) and Grasshopper's Gustaf Lagerbielke (26). Derby County's Jacob Widell Zetterström (26) starts in goal.
- Group F remains wide open heading into the final matchday. With Pot 1 Netherlands, Pot 2 Japan, Pot 3 Sweden and Pot 4 Tunisia all competing, final positions could shift dramatically based on results. Both teams likely need victory to advance from this 6pm local time kickoff (11pm UTC) near Chicago.
- Japan seeks a third consecutive Round of 16 appearance after achieving the feat at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Sweden reached the quarter-finals at Russia 2018 and aims to match or better their runner-up finish from the 1958 home tournament. National pride and World Cup progression hang in the balance over 90 minutes.