Sweden XI vs Japan – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·25 June 2026

Sweden XI vs Japan – Predicted lineup and team news

Sweden face Japan at Dallas Stadium tonight, knowing a victory guarantees a place in the World Cup knockout rounds.

The Scandinavians must bounce back from a heavy defeat against the Netherlands to secure a top-two finish. Head coach Graham Potter contemplates several changes to his starting lineup to inject essential defensive solidity.

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Sweden team news

Potter needs to recalibrate his starting lineup to inject fresh tactical energy into his side. Veteran goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt will protect the net behind a heavily scrutinised three-man defence.

Isak Hien and Victor Lindelöf will retain their central roles despite recent defensive struggles. Gustaf Lagerbielke completes the backline tasked with stopping the explosive Japanese forward line.

Major personnel changes are expected across the midfield to make Sweden much harder to play through. Anthony Elanga pushes hard for a starting role at right wing-back after a fine consolation goal. His raw acceleration caused the Dutch backline severe problems during the second half last week.

Young talent Lucas Bergvall could replace Benjamin Nygren to add crucial composure and ball retention. Yasin Ayari will look to sustain his excellent form after netting twice already this summer.

Up front, the lethal partnership of Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak remains completely untouched. The elite duo possesses the physical attributes to exploit any potential space in the channels.