A win for either Japan or Sweden will secure qualification to the knockout stage of the competition, although both are likely to advance even if one cannot get a positive result.

Japan currently occupy second in Group F with four points after their two games, while Sweden are third with three points.

Despite their heavy defeat to the Netherlands, Graham Potter’s team are currently one of the best-ranked third-placed teams heading into the final round of Group Stage fixtures.

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Quick Picks

Our pick: Draw

Value bet: Sweden And Draw

Long shot: Over 3.5 Goals

Japan vs Sweden prediction

The Swedes will want to deliver an improved performance and not leave things to chance in their final group match. Their problem? Well, Japan are going to provide a stern test, as the Asian nation have performed well and typically do in this tournament.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side managed to get a draw against the Netherlands, fighting back twice to secure a point in the opener. They then managed to dismantle Tunisia 4-0, having witnessed Sweden win by a four-goal margin in the previous encounter (5-1).

However, Potter’s side will be reeling after experiencing a 5-1 defeat of their own to the Netherlands.

The moneyline odds have Japan as the pre-match favourites, leaving potential value to be found in the Sweden And Draw double chance market.

Sweden has won each of its last four matches in this tournament against teams from a different region, while Japan were held to a draw against European opposition.

Sweden know they need to retaliate to ensure they have a place in the next stage of the tournament, while Japan will feel the pressure is off as four points is likely to be enough to advance regardless of the result.

Our prediction is for a draw…

For a bit more context before kick-off, have a read on how the betting markets work and check out which groups shape up easiest to hardest to see where Japan and Sweden's paths might lead.

Japan vs Sweden score prediction

Goals are likely in this game, as both teams can look to be rather attacking with their soccer. As we’ve already seen, goals don’t typically seem to be a problem for either side, while keeping them out has been trouble, particularly for the Europeans.

The ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market has value, given the scenario that these two teams find themselves in. Japan already know they are as good as through with their unbeaten record so far, while Sweden won’t want to leave it to chance.

They are likely to try and get their attacking superstars involved early, which could see them have several opportunities in the game to find the net.

For longer shot value, the 'Over 3.5 Goals' market is worth exploring, as this has hit in each of Sweden's last four tournament matches, including qualifiers.

We think there is value in the BTTS hitting, as both defences have shown a level of vulnerability. This is why we think there’s value in the 2-2 correct scoreline…

If you're keen to back this one across a few angles, it's worth knowing what a multi bet is before you firm up your slip, and the World Cup betting hub is handy for sizing up the rest of the markets.

Player markets to watch

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have been relatively quiet in this competition, although both did score against Tunisia. Still, they’ll know they will carry even more weight on their shoulders with the pressure of leading their country to qualification.

Both have often thrived with this pressure in the past, which is why both worth backing as anytime goalscorers. They may offer alternative value in the ‘To Score or Assist’ market, as both managed to provide a goal on top of scoring against the African side.

For Japan, Daichi Kamada offers value as an anytime goalscorer after netting in both games so far and entering the tournament on the back of a brace in qualifying.

Forward Ayase Ueda is another who is in good form at the moment, scoring a double against Tunisia. In that game, he also provided an assist, so the ‘To Score or Assist’ market could be worth a look at.

Japan vs Sweden Match Details

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026.

Kick-off: 9:00am AEST.

Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch Japan vs Sweden

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

To watch Sportsbet's live streams of the World Cup, you must:

- Be 18+.

- Have a Sportsbet account.

- Be logged into your Sportsbet account.

- Have a positive balance OR have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.

World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you'll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Japan vs Sweden simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Japan vs Sweden on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand.

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.