World Cup Hero
Predict the 2026 World Cup your way
Japan and Sweden share Group F at the 2026 World Cup and meet in the group stage. Both sides are fighting to reach the knockouts. On the FIFA ranking, Japan are the favourite — a 15-place gap.
Japan - Sweden will be played on Thursday 18th June 2026 at 18:00 ET in Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. ⏳ Date subject to confirmation.
| Japan 🇯🇵 | Metric | 🇸🇪 Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| #17 | FIFA Ranking | #32 |
| Group F | Group | Group F |
| AFC | Confederation | UEFA |
| Hajime Moriyasu | Head coach | Jon Dahl Tomasson |
| 7 | WC appearances | 13 |
| Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) | Best WC | Runner-up (1958) |
Underestimate Japan at your peril. At the 2022 World Cup they eliminated both Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1) from their group with tactically brilliant counter-attacking football. The current squad plays mostly in Europe's top leagues: Mitoma (Brighton), Kubo (Real Sociedad), Endo (Liverpool — 2025 Premier League champions). In Group F, the Netherlands are the nominal favourite, but they should be warned: Japan's pressing is relentless and their set pieces are world-class. Against Sweden and Tunisia, Japan are the favourites. Beyond the group stage, a Round of 16 spot is realistic; a quarter-final would be their best ever World Cup. Japan's football revolution rolls on.
Sweden have rebuilt after the Ibrahimović era. With Isak (Newcastle) and Gyökeres (Arsenal), they have two world-class strikers. Qualifying was scrappy, but in a tournament where physicality and aerial threat matter, Sweden can be dangerous. Round of 16 is the ceiling; surviving the group is the goal.
Set your 10 sliders and decide which teams win according to your model — including this group-stage match.
Start predicting →Yes — Japan and Sweden meet in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup (Group F).
On the FIFA world ranking, Japan (#17) are favoured over Sweden (#32). The gap is 15 ranking places.
Japan: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) (7 World Cup appearances). Sweden: Runner-up (1958) (13 World Cup appearances).
Japan are coached by Hajime Moriyasu. Sweden are coached by Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Japan play in Group F. Sweden play in Group F.
Last updated: 2026-06-07