World Cup Match 3: Sweden’s Lethal Attack Awaits—Can Japan Hold the Line?

Match 3: Sweden (FIFA Ranking: 38th)
Broadcast: June 26, 8:00 a.m. — NHK, BSP4K

Players to Watch: Viktor Gyökeres (28), Alexander Isak (26)
Two complete bombers with world-class finishing ability

For longtime football fans, Sweden immediately brings to mind legendary forwards such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Henrik Larsson, and Fredrik Ljungberg. This Swedish national team also boasts two world-class strikers who carry on that tradition.

The first is Viktor Gyökeres. The 28-year-old striker, born in 1998, joined Premier League powerhouse Arsenal in the summer of 2025 and enjoyed a breakout campaign. He scored 14 league goals and played a pivotal role in the club’s first league title in 22 years. Standing 189 cm tall and weighing 94 kg, he combines exceptional physical strength with powerful play and a wide variety of finishing techniques, making him a complete center forward.

The other is Alexander Isak (26), a Liverpool teammate of Japan captain Wataru Endō (33). During Isak’s teenage years at Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, then-teammate Shinji Kagawa (37) famously remarked, “He’s just incredibly fast. His speed is unbelievable—you simply can’t catch him.”

Capable of reaching a top speed of 33 km/h, Isak uses his explosive acceleration and change of pace to devastating effect. In addition to playing as a center forward, he is equally dangerous on the wing. Injuries left him frustrated this season, but he will undoubtedly be eager to make up for lost time at the World Cup.

Sweden secured its place in North America by defeating Poland 3-2 in the European qualifying playoff final in March, successfully neutralizing former European Player of the Year Robert Lewandowski (37). Gyökeres, who scored four goals across the two playoff matches, arrives in outstanding form. With eight Premier League players included in the squad, Sweden possesses quality throughout the lineup beyond its two star forwards.

Japan’s chances of victory will largely depend on how effectively it can contain Sweden’s formidable attacking duo.

Since Sweden builds much of its attack through Gyökeres, it will be crucial for the central defender in Japan’s back three, Shogo Taniguchi (34), together with the 188 cm-tall Hiroki Ito, to hold their own in aerial duels and prevent him from turning to face goal. Meanwhile, Wataru Endō and Kaishu Sano must dominate second balls to disrupt Sweden’s attacking rhythm.

Going forward, Japan will need a moment of brilliance to break through Sweden’s organized defense. Ayase Ueda (27), the Eredivisie’s top scorer, possesses a wide range of finishing techniques that should pose significant problems for Sweden’s defenders. The tactical battle over how each side utilizes—and neutralizes—its center forward is expected to be fascinating.

The significance of the third group-stage match will depend on the earlier results, making predictions difficult. However, if both teams have plenty at stake, the match is likely to be a tense, low-scoring affair in which both defenses succeed in limiting the opposition’s attack, leaving clinical finishing from a handful of chances as the deciding factor.

It will be a true test of Japan’s credentials as it pursues its ambitious goal of becoming World Cup champions.

From the June 19, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY.”