Japan vs. Sweden Prediction: FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
A guaranteed spot in the knockout stage is on the line when Japan and Sweden meet in Dallas in a Group F finale on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
Japan already has four points, with a 4-0 win over Tunisia and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, and is all but guaranteed a spot in the Round of 32 regardless of what happens on Thursday.
After spanking Tunisia themselves, 5-1, the Swedes were humbled by the same score against the Dutch, suffering their worst loss at a World Cup in 76 years. Sweden can still advance with a loss on Thursday, but getting at least a point against the Blue Samurai would be a big help.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
Japan vs. Sweden FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
- Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 7 p.m. ET
- Stadium: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
- Channel: TSN, TSN+
- Weather: Indoors
Japan vs. Sweden Betting Odds
Japan is favoured at -118 on the three-way moneyline. Sweden is priced at +350, with a draw set at +240.
The Over/Under for goals is set at 2.5, with the Over favoured at -125.
Japan vs. Sweden Predicted Starting XI Lineups
Japan (4-2-3-1): Z. Suzuki, Itakura, H. Ito, Seko, Y. Suzuki, Tanaka; Sano, Sugawara, J. Suzuki, J. Ito, Goto
Sweden (4-3-3): Nordfelt, Hien, Lagerbielke, Lindelof, Zenoli, Stroud, Ali, Bergvall, Elanga, Isak, Gyokeres
Japan FIFA World Cup Odds and News
The Japanese have made eight consecutive World Cup appearances since their tournament debut in 1998. They have reached the Round of 16 in the last two World Cups and four times overall.
But that’s it. That’s where the story ends, because the Blue Samurai have never advanced to the quarterfinals. That could change over the next few weeks, as Japan is fielding perhaps its most balanced squad ever.
The Japanese have speed. In Ayase Ueda, the Eredivisie’s top scorer last season with 24 goals for Feyenoord, they have a finisher who tallied twice in the win over Tunisia.
And they have their usual disciplined approach all over the field. The draw against the Dutch, one of the pre-tournament favourites, looks even better after Sweden’s misstep against them just days later.
They are missing their captain, Wataru Endo, who is out for the tournament. And Takefusa Kubo is still nursing a knee injury he suffered against the Dutch.
If you’re feeling lucky, you can get Japan at +4000 to win the World Cup, but the drama will come Thursday night, as the Japanese, Swedes, and the Netherlands all compete to finish atop Group F.
Sweden FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Well, that got ugly quick. Sweden conceded a brace to Brian Brobbey in the opening 17 minutes, allowed another brace to Cody Gakpo less than 10 minutes into the second half, and surrendered a goal to Crysencio Summerville in the 89th minute to complete the Pu Pu platter against the Dutch.
The Tunisia win feels like it happened weeks ago at this point. Sweden is -2500 to advance, and coach Graham Potter may make several changes to the lineup to spark some offence up top.
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres are proven Premier League scorers, and they each found the back of the net against Tunisia. However, Anthony Elanga may get the nod over one of them after showing flashes late against the Dutch.
Youngster Lucas Bergvall may also get the starting nod after showing well coming on for Benjamin Nygren in the 56th minute.
Japan vs. Sweden Player Odds and Props
With the group still up for grabs, look for Japan to attack rather than sit back. Ueda is +160 to score an anytime goal, while Junya Ito, who also scored against the Tunisians, is +300.
Isak is +175 to score, as is Gyokeres. The Swedes did outshoot the Netherlands, 8-7, so expect the chances to be there.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
The Dutch are still heavy favourites to win Group F at -400. Japan is second at +350, with Sweden a distant third at +1600. The Swedes are also heavily favoured to advance to the knockout stage at -2500.
Japan vs. Sweden Score Prediction
After scoring four goals for the first time in the World Cup, the Japanese should be flying high. But the Swedes probably felt the same way after their opening lopsided decision. These teams match up well, and although we want to go with a 2-1 Japanese victory, we are going to stick with a 1-1 draw that clears both sides for the next round.