Japan aim to lock in knockout spot against Sweden in Group F finale, with Moriyasu's side needing a draw to be sure

Group F stakes

Japan enter the final round of Group F level on four points with the Netherlands, ahead of Sweden on goal difference, while Tunisia have been eliminated. A draw against Sweden ensures a top-two finish and direct passage to the knockout phase for Hajime Moriyasu's side. Japan can even afford a narrow loss and still advance as one of the best third-placed teams, but a point guarantees certainty. Sweden, meanwhile, can finish anywhere from first to third. Graham Potter's team will secure at least second with a win, and a draw should also be enough barring an extremely unlikely combination of results in other groups.

Form and team news

Japan have been quietly impressive, controlling spells against the Netherlands in a 2-2 draw before dismantling Tunisia 4-0. Moriyasu makes three changes from that victory: Seko, Sugawara and Maeda replace Tomiyasu, Itō and Sano in the starting eleven. Sweden's tournament has been volatile, a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia followed by a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands. That made them the first side in World Cup history to lose their second match by a four-goal margin after winning their opener by the same scoreline. Defensive frailties exposed by the Dutch will be tested by a clinical Japanese attack that has scored six times in two matches.

Sweden's demolition distraction

Sweden's preparation took an unusual turn when players arrived for Wednesday evening training at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, to find mangled metal and debris from ongoing construction. Midfielder Besfort Zeneli told Aftonbladet:

I just thought, 'what happened?' As far as I knew there hadn't been any storm.

The work was part of a planned, multi-year renovation of the MLS venue being carried out in phases. FC Dallas, the stadium's primary tenant, said the demolition used a pull-down method without explosives and posed no danger. No one was injured, and the pitch and team facilities were unaffected.

Key players

Sweden's hopes rest heavily on the strike partnership of Alexander Isak of Liverpool and Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal, whose combined market value stands at €150 million. Isak has looked sharp at this tournament and is capable of deciding tight contests if Potter can deploy a system that maximises his threat without leaving the back line vulnerable. For Japan, striker Ayase Ueda's brace and assist against Tunisia made him the standout, and the Samurai Blue's collective movement and efficiency on the counter remain their greatest weapon.