Japan Takes on Sweden in a High-Stakes World Cup Clash: Key Predictions, Tactical Previews, and Expected Lineups Revealed

Japan and Sweden clash for a spot in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Thursday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Samurai Blue is well-positioned to finish among Group F's top two after accumulating four points so far, building on their draw with the Netherlands before thrashing Tunisia. Japan is virtually assured of advancing to the round of 32, but a draw or victory against Sweden would guarantee a top-two finish in the group.

Goal difference could prove crucial for Japan in a win scenario, assuming the Netherlands also defeats Tunisia in the final group game. Securing first place would mean a more favorable last-32 matchup—at least on paper.

Sweden knows it must win to automatically advance as one of the top two, though a draw would likely be sufficient to progress as one of the eight best third-place finishers. A victory over Japan could theoretically see them top the group, should the Dutch slip up against Tunisia.

A loss for Sweden would leave them in a precarious situation, dependent on results elsewhere.

Japan vs. Sweden Score Prediction

Samurai Blue Wins Vital Duel

Sweden achieved a remarkable and unwanted distinction by following their opening 5–1 World Cup victory over Tunisia with a 5–1 defeat to the Netherlands in their next outing. In that contest against the Oranje, their significant defensive weaknesses were ruthlessly laid bare.

Japan, which became the first Asian side to score four goals in a single World Cup match against Tunisia, should exploit a shaky Sweden backline, with the Samurai Blue possessing a formidable array of attacking talent.

Graham Potter will count on his team to find the net given the presence of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres in attack, but Japan is the stronger side and should wrap up their group stage campaign in style.

Prediction: Japan 3–1 Sweden

Japan Predicted Lineup vs. Sweden

Japan's high-scoring triumph was even more remarkable given that Moriyasu was without Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo, who is dealing with a knee problem and remains questionable for the Sweden fixture.

The Samurai Blue are already missing several injured key players, including Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and skipper Wataru Endo, while Shūto Machino, who came into the squad as Endo's replacement, sat out the Tunisia win due to illness.

Moriyasu will be hesitant to alter anything from the dazzling performance on matchday two, and may name an unchanged XI.

Japan predicted lineup vs. Sweden (3-4-2-1): Z. Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Itakura, H. Itō; Dōan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Itō, Kamada; Ueda.

Sweden Predicted Lineup vs. Japan

Anthony Elanga came off the bench against the Netherlands and caused significant trouble with his pace, potentially earning him a place in the starting XI as Potter's right wing back.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, eager for a move away, could make his first start of the competition, coming in for Celtic's Benjamin Nygren in midfield to give Sweden more solidity through the center.

Isak and Gyökeres will once again lead the attack and pose serious challenges for Japan's defense as their partnership continues to develop.

Sweden predicted lineup vs. Japan (3-5-2): Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf; Elanga, Bergvall, Karlström, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Gyökeres, Isak.

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Ewan Ross-Murray is a freelance soccer writer who focuses primarily on the Premier League. Ewan was born in Leicester, but his heart, and club allegiance, belongs to Liverpool.