Japan vs Sweden lineups are predicted before FIFA releases the official team sheets. Final XIs usually arrive about one hour before kickoff.
Match 57 is set for Dallas Stadium on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Kickoff is 7:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM Dallas time, and 23:00 UTC.
Japan are missing Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma, while Takefusa Kubo remains a late concern. Sweden are monitoring Eric Smith before the final sheet.
The predicted selections point to Japan using a 3-4-2-1 shape and Sweden using a 3-5-2. Both teams need clean midfield spacing in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F.
Japan Predicted Lineup
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| GK | Zion Suzuki |
| CB | Takehiro Tomiyasu |
| CB | Ko Itakura |
| CB | Hiroki Ito |
| RWB | Ritsu Doan |
| CM | Kaishu Sano |
| CM | Ao Tanaka |
| LWB | Keito Nakamura |
| AM | Junya Ito |
| AM | Daichi Kamada |
| ST | Ayase Ueda |
Formation: 3-4-2-1.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
Japan's projected XI keeps Itakura central in the back three and gives Doan a wide starting role. Sano and Tanaka should protect the middle because Sweden can flood central lanes.
The Japan squad still has speed without Kubo and Mitoma in the XI. Kamada and Junya Ito can connect counters quickly if Sweden push wing-backs high.
Sweden Predicted Lineup
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| GK | Kristoffer Nordfeldt |
| CB | Gustaf Lagerbielke |
| CB | Isak Hien |
| CB | Victor Lindelof |
| RWB | Anthony Elanga |
| CM | Lucas Bergvall |
| CM | Jesper Karlstrom |
| CM | Yasin Ayari |
| LWB | Gabriel Gudmundsson |
| ST | Viktor Gyokeres |
| ST | Alexander Isak |
Formation: 3-5-2.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
Sweden's projected XI pairs Isak and Gyokeres from the start. Elanga can give Potter a faster right side after his impact against the Netherlands.
The Sweden squad needs more defensive balance after conceding five against the Netherlands. Bergvall and Ayari can help Sweden press without leaving the back three exposed.
Team News and Injury Report
Japan's main absences shape the projected lineup. Endo is out of the squad because of a left-foot injury, while Mitoma missed the squad with a hamstring issue.
Kubo is the biggest late selection concern because current pre-match reports differ on his status. Since FIFA has not confirmed the XI, he stays outside the projected lineup.
Sweden have fewer major availability issues in public pre-match data. Eric Smith is the main named concern and does not appear in the current projected XI.
| Player | Team | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wataru Endo | Japan | Out | Left-foot injury |
| Kaoru Mitoma | Japan | Out | Hamstring injury |
| Takefusa Kubo | Japan | Doubtful | Knee issue in pre-match reports |
| Shuto Machino | Japan | Questionable | Recent illness note |
| Eric Smith | Sweden | Doubtful | Listed as a fitness concern |
Latest lineup notes: Japan could keep a similar core after beating Tunisia 4-0. Sweden may add Elanga and Bergvall to chase more speed and midfield coverage.
Japan vs Sweden — Key Tactical Battle
The key battle is Japan's inside runners against Sweden's back three. If Kamada and Junya Ito receive between the lines, Japan can attack before Sweden reset.
Sweden's best answer is direct service into Isak and Gyokeres. Japan need Tomiyasu, Itakura, and Hiroki Ito to win first contacts and control second balls.
| Role | Japan | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Corners | Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan | Jesper Karlstrom, Gabriel Gudmundsson |
| Direct free kicks | Daichi Kamada, Ritsu Doan | Alexander Isak, Yasin Ayari |
| Penalties | Ayase Ueda | Viktor Gyokeres |
Match Details
| Date | Kickoff Time | Venue | Stage | Referee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM Dallas time / 23:00 UTC | Dallas Stadium, Dallas | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage | Ivan Barton |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Japan vs Sweden lineups confirmed?
No. Japan vs Sweden lineups are still predicted before kickoff. Official team sheets usually arrive about one hour before the match.
What is the predicted Japan starting 11 against Sweden?
Japan are projected to start Zion Suzuki in goal. Tomiyasu, Itakura, Hiroki Ito, Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura, Junya Ito, Kamada, and Ueda complete the XI.
What is the predicted Sweden starting 11 against Japan?
Sweden are projected to start Kristoffer Nordfeldt in goal. Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof, Elanga, Bergvall, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson, Gyokeres, and Isak complete the XI.
What formation could Japan and Sweden use?
Japan are projected in a 3-4-2-1 shape. Sweden are projected in a 3-5-2 with Isak and Gyokeres together up front.
Japan vs Sweden lineups remain predicted until FIFA confirms the official team sheets. The current read points to Japan protecting midfield balance and Sweden trusting two strikers.
Read Also: Japan vs Sweden Prediction and Group Stage Preview
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