Japan Seeks to Secure qualification, While Sweden Fights for Survival in the 2026 World Cup - teleSUR English
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Japan will try to secure their place in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, while Sweden needs a mandatory victory to avoid depending on other results and remain in the competition.

Back at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas, Japan hopes to secure a place in the Round of 32, a feat that has become more difficult for Sweden after the Nordic team suffered a heavy defeat against the Netherlands.

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In the third match of Group F at the 2026 World Cup, the Asian team, which drew 2-2 with the Dutch and defeated Tunisia 4-0, is aiming for first place in its group.

Currently, Japan is tied with the team managed by Ronald Koeman. The Netherlands are favorites against a Tunisian side that has conceded nine goals in two matches, despite changing coaches mid-tournament.

Therefore, the “Blue Samurai” only need to avoid defeat to guarantee their qualification. If they qualify, they will face either Brazil or Morocco in Monterrey or Houston.

Japanese joy in 2022 🇯🇵#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Fnt2GxwJDn

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 20, 2026

Meanwhile, Sweden is fighting for survival. After the initial euphoria following their thrashing of Tunisia, the unexpected 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands means Graham Potter’s side must win to secure qualification. A draw would leave the Swedes with four points, needing to be one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Led down in attack by Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, the Swedish squad suffers from a defensive weakness exposed against the Dutch. English coach Graham Potter maintains his confidence in Victor Lindelof, Isak Hien, and Gustaf Lagerbielke to try and contain Japan’s rapid counter-attacks.

The Japanese squad will be without Take Kubo, who missed the match against Tunisia after suffering a left knee injury. However, the team benefits from the good form of Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda, who both scored against Tunisia. Junya Ito could retain his place behind Ueda, alongside the return of Daizen Maeda.

#FIFAClubWorldCup2026 | From Vozinha’s heroics for Cape Verde to Beiranvand’s consistency for Iran, these six goalkeepers have stood out so far at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Who has been the tournament’s best goalkeeper? 🧤#Goalkeepers #Football pic.twitter.com/iLbsV2JXAb

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 23, 2026

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