World Cup 2026: Japan vs Sweden Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when published.

Sweden are Japan's opponents in Arlington, Texas, this Friday, with the game starting at 01:00 CAT. Japan are second and a draw will be enough to lock in a knockout spot, whereas third placed Sweden have to win to be sure of going through. That big difference in what each team requires should make for a gripping last group fixture. All our World Cup betting tips are waiting in our dedicated section.

Japan

Japan have impressed at this tournament, drawing with the Netherlands and then swatting Tunisia aside to leave themselves on the verge of qualifying. As I see it, Hajime Moriyasu might make a few changes since a draw will do, yet their sharp, direct attacking play through players like Doan and Kubo, fitness permitting, is still a major threat. They defend as a group and break quickly, the very style that caused Sweden so much damage in their heavy defeat to the Dutch. I believe Japan will be content to let Sweden come at them and then hit on the counter.

Probable Lineup: Z. Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Ito, Itakura; Nakamura, Tanaka, Kamada, Kubo; , Sano, Ueta, Ito.

Sweden 

Sweden need a victory to keep their World Cup hopes going, and under Graham Potter they boast a frightening front pair in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. Their weakness is defensive: they have gone seven matches without a clean sheet and were ripped apart in a heavy loss to the Netherlands. I think having to chase the game will leave them badly exposed to Japan's speed on the break. They can certainly score, but I expect their defending to let them down once more.

Probable Lineup: Nordfeldt; Hien, Lagerbielke, Lindelof; Bernhardsson, Nygren, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Gyokeres, Isak.

Sweden will commit numbers forward chasing the win they require, which should produce an open, lively match with chances for both sides. I trust Japan's pace and calm heads to make a shaky Swedish defence pay, even if Isak or Gyokeres find the net. My Japan vs Sweden call: Japan 2 Sweden 1.

BTTS: Yes (1.65)

My pick is both teams to score, because Sweden must attack and have the forwards in Isak and Gyokeres to worry any defence. Japan are quick and ruthless in attack and have scored in both of their matches so far. With Sweden still waiting for a clean sheet after seven games, goals at each end look highly likely. At 1.65 this is the selection I like most.