Players of Japan pose for a team photo before during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Japan and Sweden at Dallas Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Published - June 26, 2026 04:36 am IST