Sweden face Japan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Thursday 25 June 2026 in the final Group F match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both nations return to the tournament with strong squads, and this matchday three fixture is likely to decide who tops the group.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s world championship, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The expanded format features 48 teams in 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the best eight third-placed teams progress to a new round of 32, the first knockout round of the tournament.
When is Sweden vs Japan?
Kick-off is on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 8:00pm ET (1:00am BST Friday, 9:00am JST Friday). Tunisia vs Netherlands is played simultaneously at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Where is Sweden vs Japan?
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosts the match. The retractable-roof home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys seats more than 80,000 and is one of the biggest venues at the tournament. Its climate-controlled environment offers protection from the Texas summer heat.
Key Contenders
Sweden return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018 under head coach Graham Potter. The squad is built around Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and a defensive core featuring Arsenal captain Gabriel. Sweden’s aggressive attack is balanced by a disciplined back line, and they will fancy their chances of topping Group F.
Japan are one of Asia’s strongest sides, guided by Hajime Moriyasu. The Samurai Blue rely on a deep European-based squad including Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, Monaco’s Takumi Minamino and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo. Japan have famously beaten Germany and Spain at past tournaments and aim to reach a first ever quarter-final.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch on BBC and ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the US, Fox carries English-language coverage and Telemundo carries Spanish. Japanese audiences can watch on NHK and Fuji TV, with streaming via TVer. In Sweden, SVT and TV4 share tournament coverage.
History and Records
Sweden and Japan have met only a handful of times in friendlies, with Sweden holding the edge historically. The nations have never met at a FIFA World Cup. Sweden’s best finish was runners-up in 1958 on home soil, while Japan have reached the round of 16 four times, most recently in 2022.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are sold through FIFA.com. Group-stage tickets at AT&T Stadium start from around USD 100 for category three and rise for category one and hospitality packages. Resale is via FIFA’s official resale platform only.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Sweden vs Japan start?
Thursday 25 June 2026 at 8:00pm ET (1:00am BST Friday).
Where is Sweden vs Japan being held?
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
How can I watch Sweden vs Japan?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, NHK and Fuji TV in Japan.
Have Sweden and Japan met at a World Cup before?
No. This is their first meeting at a FIFA men’s World Cup.