It is win-or-bust for one, job-almost-done for the other. Japan have been one of the surprises of the 2026 World Cup so far, and a point against Sweden in Dallas would send them through to the last 32. Sweden, for all their attacking firepower, must win after a chastening five-goal hammering by the Netherlands left their campaign on the brink. Here is how to watch, when it kicks off near you, and who comes out of this Group F decider.
Kickoff is 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, June 25 / 11:00 PM in the UK at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. In the US it is on Fox and Telemundo. In Britain it is free on BBC and ITV, with streaming on iPlayer and ITVX.
Where to Watch Japan vs Sweden
Free to air in the UK and several markets. In the US it is on Fox and Telemundo.
Quick tip: UK viewers get this free on the BBC or ITV (and their apps), though it is a late 11pm kick-off. In the US it is on Fox with Telemundo in Spanish, plus Fubo, Sling and YouTube TV. Always use the official broadcaster for the cleanest, safest stream.
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Group F: A Straight Shootout for the Last 16
Japan and the Netherlands lead the group on four points, level on goal difference, while Sweden sit third on three and Tunisia are already out. A draw is enough for Japan to go through; Sweden must win. You can see how every World Cup 2026 group is shaping up in our full guide.
Netherlands
TunisiaThe top two qualify automatically, plus the best third-placed teams. A draw sends Japan through; Sweden must win to be sure.
Japan’s Calm Meets Sweden’s Desperation
Japan have arguably been the most impressive side in this group. They earned a battling 2-2 draw with the much-fancied Netherlands, snatching a 89th-minute equaliser, then dismantled Tunisia 4-0 to become the first team representing the Asian Football Confederation ever to score four goals in a single World Cup match. Hajime Moriyasu’s side are organised, deep and dangerous on the break, with Ayase Ueda, the top scorer in the Dutch league this season, leading the line and the likes of Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan offering pace out wide.
There has been adversity, too. Captain Wataru Endo was forced out of the tournament with a foot injury before it began and announced his retirement from international football, yet Japan have not missed a beat. Their blend of resilience and attacking depth has them needing only a point to reach the knockout stage, and on current form they look more than capable of getting it.
Sweden are the great unknown. Graham Potter’s side blitzed Tunisia 5-1 on the opening day, with Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both involved, only to be brought crashing down to earth by a 5-1 thrashing from the Netherlands, their heaviest World Cup defeat since 1950. That result exposed serious defensive frailties. They have the forwards to hurt anyone, but they now have to chase the game against a Japan side built to punish exactly that.
The two have history at this stage: Japan beat Sweden 2-0 when they co-hosted the World Cup in 2002. Given Japan’s composure and Sweden’s need to throw bodies forward, the smart lean is a Japan win or draw, either of which takes them through. Sweden’s strikers make them dangerous, but if they leave gaps at the back, Japan have the runners to make it count. Expect Japan to edge a tense one.
How They Might Line Up
Moriyasu is without retired captain Endo but otherwise has a settled, in-form side. Potter must go on the attack, pairing Isak and Gyokeres up top and accepting the risk that leaves at the back.
JAPAN · Moriyasu · 3-4-2-1Suzuki · Itakura, Tomiyasu, Machida · Ito, Tanaka, Kamada, Nakamura · Kubo, Doan · Ueda
SWEDEN · Potter · 4-4-2Olsen · Krafth, Lindelof, Hien, Augustinsson · Saletros, Ayari, Svanberg, Bernardsson · Isak, Gyokeres
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A Word on AT&T Stadium
Home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium in Arlington is one of the largest and most modern venues at the tournament, with a vast retractable roof and air conditioning to beat the Texas heat. Known as Dallas Stadium during the World Cup, it is hosting nine matches, including a semi-final. Japan played here in their opener against the Netherlands. There is more on it at Wikipedia.
The sides have met six times. The most memorable was at the 2002 World Cup, co-hosted by Japan, where Japan won 2-0. Their most recent meeting, a 2023 friendly, also finished 2-0 to Japan, so the Samurai Blue will take confidence from the head-to-head.
Japan vs Sweden: Quick Answers
What time does Japan vs Sweden kick off?
7pm Eastern in the US, which is 6pm Central in Dallas and 11pm in the UK. In Tokyo it is 8am the next morning and in Stockholm midnight. The date is Thursday, June 25, 2026.
What channel is Japan vs Sweden on in the US?
Fox has the English-language broadcast, with Telemundo in Spanish. You can also stream it via Fubo, Sling TV and YouTube TV.
Is Japan vs Sweden free to watch in the UK?
Yes. It is on both BBC and ITV, free to air, with streaming via BBC iPlayer and ITVX, though it is a late 11pm kick-off.
What does each team need to qualify?
Japan need only a draw to reach the Round of 32, and a win would secure top spot. Sweden must win to be sure of going through; a defeat eliminates them.
Why have Japan impressed so far?
They drew 2-2 with the Netherlands and then beat Tunisia 4-0, becoming the first AFC nation ever to score four goals in a single World Cup match. They have looked organised and dangerous on the counter.
Have Japan and Sweden played before?
Yes, six times. Japan won 2-0 at the 2002 World Cup they co-hosted, and also won their most recent meeting, a 2023 friendly, 2-0.
Who are the key players?
For Japan, Ayase Ueda, Takefusa Kubo and Daichi Kamada. For Sweden, the strike pair of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
What is the prediction?
We expect a 2-1 Japan win. Japan have looked the more complete side and need only a point, while Sweden must commit forward and risk being caught on the break.
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