XIs out for the Group F finale: Japan-Sweden

In the final Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Japan and Sweden face off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and the starting XIs for both teams have been announced. While a draw is enough to advance for Japan, who sit second in the group on 4 points, the match is a survival battle for Sweden, who are on 3 points and have to overtake their opponents.

For Japan, head coach Hajime Moriyasu largely stuck with the side from their 4-0 win over Tunisia. Notably, star player Takefusa Kubo is out with a knee injury and captain Wataru Endo with a foot injury. In Kubo's absence, Daichi Kamada takes on the creative duties, while up front they rely on Ayase Ueda, who scored twice against Tunisia. Japan come into this game on the form that has marked the tournament, with a 9-match unbeaten run in which they have beaten the likes of Brazil and England.

For Sweden, Graham Potter sends out a side with no option but to win. All of Sweden's hope rests on the star strike pair of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. Sweden, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first match, then lost to the Netherlands by the same scoreline, laying bare the problems in their defence. How well Potter can hold firm a defence that has not kept a clean sheet in 13 games and conceded 22 in its last 10, against Japan's dangerous attack, will decide the match.

There are different dynamics on the pitch for both teams. While Japan secure qualification with a point, Sweden, who have to win, will throw everything forward in attack. This could create chances for players like Ritsu Doan to exploit the spaces behind Sweden's defence on the counter. Despite a draw being enough, Moriyasu's team are expected to play on the front foot at their best; after all, Japan kept six clean sheets and also scored 19 goals at this tournament.

Starting XIs
Japan (3-4-2-1): Z. Suzuki; J. Suzuki, Itakura, H. Ito; Sugawara, Tanaka, Kamada, Seko; Nakamura, Doan; Ueda
Sweden (3-4-1-2): Widell Zetterström; Hien, Lagerbielke, Lindelöf; Bernhardsson, Ayari, Stroud, Gudmundsson; Elanga; Isak, Gyökeres

Image: Khel Now