Japan-Sweden goalless in second half

Japan and Sweden are facing off at AT&T Stadium in Texas as both look to clinch a spot in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. Both team are goalless in the first half.

Japan are on four points in Group F, while Sweden are on three. Both teams are likely to go through to the round of 32 regardless of the result today.

In the simultaneous kickoff, Netherlands will look to stay atop the table with a big win over hapless Tunisia.

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said his side were focused solely on beating “a very strong” Sweden in their final group match and hoping that would be enough to finish top of Group F.

If Japan achieve a better result against the Swedes in Dallas on Thursday than the Netherlands do against already-eliminated Tunisia, they will advance in first place from the group and avoid Brazil in the last 32.

The group winners will face Morocco in Monterrey with the runners-up taking on the five-time World Cup champions in Houston the same day.

A draw would be enough to secure qualification for the Japanese. Sweden were crushed 5-1 by the Netherlands, but Moriyasu is wary of their potent attacking threat led by Premier League marksmen Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.