North & Central America World Cup Qualifiers, Match 3: [Sweden’s Deadly Attack] Stop Their Two World-Class Forwards!

Match 3: Sweden (FIFA Rank: 38)
Broadcast Date & Time: June 26, 8:00 AM – NHK, BS 4K

[Key Players] Viktor Gökeler (28), Alexander Isak (26)
Two flawless “bombers” whose overwhelming scoring instincts shine through

Zlatan Ibrahimović, Henrik Larsson, Fredrik Jungberg—for longtime soccer fans, the name “Sweden” likely brings to mind these legendary forwards of yesteryear. The current Swedish national team also features two world-class forwards who carry on that legacy.

The first is Viktor Gökeleş. Born in 1998, the 28-year-old striker made a major breakthrough after joining Premier League powerhouse Arsenal in the summer of 2025. He scored 14 goals and was a driving force behind the team’s first league title in 22 years.Standing at 189 cm and weighing 94 kg, he is an all-around forward who boasts powerful play that leverages his impressive physique, as well as a diverse range of finishing skills.

The other is Alexander Isak (26), a teammate of Japan national team captain Wataru Endo (33) at Liverpool.It is well known that Shinji Kagawa (37), who was his teammate at Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga when Isak was still a teenager, was amazed by his sprinting ability, saying, “He’s just so fast. His speed is incredible—I can’t keep up with him (wry smile).”

Boasting an overwhelming top speed of 33 km/h, he delivers spectacular performances not only as a center forward but also as a winger, utilizing his agility to dribble with a perfect mix of pace and finesse. Although he had an unfulfilling season due to injury this year, he is surely determined to vent his frustration at the World Cup.

Sweden faced Poland in the European playoff final in March and shut out Robert Lewandowski (37), a former European Player of the Year.With a 3-2 victory, they secured their ticket to North and Central America. Led by Gyökeres, who is on a roll after scoring four goals in the two playoff matches, the national team features eight players from the Premier League. Beyond their two star players, they have a solid lineup with no weak spots.

Japan’s victory hinges on how they contain this formidable attacking lineup.

Since Sweden feeds the ball to Gyökeres to serve as the focal point of their attack, it will be crucial for Shogo Taniguchi (34), who plays in the center of the three-man backline, and the 188cm-tall Hiroki Ito to hold their own in aerial duels and prevent him from easily turning toward goal.On top of that, players like Endo and Kaishu Sano need to win the second balls to prevent Sweden from establishing their attacking rhythm.

On offense, a single decisive strike that breaks through the organized defense will be necessary. Kiyo Ueda (27), the top scorer in the Dutch league, has a diverse range of scoring patterns that should give opponents a hard time. A high-level tactical battle is expected, with both sides focusing on how to utilize and neutralize their respective center forwards.

Predicting the outcome of the third match is difficult, as its significance will depend on the results leading up to it. However, if it becomes a do-or-die contest, it will likely be a low-scoring affair where both teams neutralize each other’s attacks, and the match will hinge on the ability to capitalize on the few scoring opportunities that arise. This will be a match that tests the true worth of a Japan team aiming for the “World Cup title.”

From the June 19, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY*