Ladbrokes previews Japan vs Sweden in Group F at the 2026 World Cup, with bet builder tips
Japan backed to win Group F decider, securing their place in the knockouts
Ayase Ueda tipped to impress again, while Gabriel Gudmundsson picks up a card
Ladbrokes brings you an in-depth match preview for Japan vs Sweden in Group F at the 2026 World Cup, including odds, predictions, and bet builder tips.
It's still all to play for in Group F, with the winner of this one guaranteeing themselves a place in the round of 32, and in the World Cup's highest-scoring group, we're expecting another thoroughly entertaining affair in Texas - but who will seal their spot in the World Cup knockouts?
Below, we've put together the ultimate Japan vs Sweden bet builder, with potential starting lineups, our score prediction, and the latest live betting markets - so read on!
If the previous Group F games are anything to go by, we can expect another goal-fest in this crucial qualification decider, with both Japan and Sweden bagging six times each so far - so we're tipping over 3.5 goals to be scored in this one.
Japan's tally of 21 shots across their opening two games is actually bettered by Sweden's total of 29 - with 16 coming in their 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands - so there's bound to be plenty of attacking intent on show in this one, with both nations knowing a win achieves their ultimate group-stage goal. Every one of Sweden's last six matches have featured at least four goals, and with Japan scoring four themselves against Tunisia, we're expecting a cracker.
So Ladbrokes is tipping over 3.5 goals in Japan vs Sweden, with attacks very much coming out on top.
Ayase Ueda to have 2+ shots on target
With so much goalmouth action expected in Texas, it's only right that we hone in on one of the main threats - so we're backing Japan's Ayase Ueda to have at least two shots on target against a bruised Sweden backline.
Two goals from three shots on target in Japan's big win last time out will have the Feyenoord marksman high on confidence coming into this one, and with 26 goals to his name across the 2025/26 domestic campaign, Sweden certainly won't want to give him a sniff. More than 1.5 shots on target per game in the Eredivisie make Ueda's threat perfectly clear, and with Graham Potter's Swedes conceding five last time out, there's little to suggest they'll be able to stop the 27-year-old having another huge impact here.
So with that in mind, our experts are backing Ayase Ueda to have 2+ shots on target in Japan vs Sweden, as he looks to make an unlikely challenge for the Golden Boot.
Gabriel Gudmundsson to be shown a card
As we shift our attention over to the less glamorous side of the game, we're predicting that Sweden wing-back Gabriel Gudmundsson will be shown a card, with a difficult test against Japan talisman Ritsu Doan waiting for him.
In the 2025/26 Premier League season, Gudmundsson picked up four yellows and a red across 32 games, and with an average of more than a foul committed per 90, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see him caught out once or twice here. The fluidity and sharpness of Japan's frontline will cause Sweden problems all night, and with Gudmundsson always so keen to get forward, there's always the potential for space behind him to be exploited.
So we're tipping a card for Gabriel Gudmundsson against Japan, making it two bookings in as many World Cup matches for the 27-year-old.
Either side can still finish top of Group F with a win here, so there's no extra motivation needed, but the two nations' respective results against the Netherlands do suggest there's a clear favourite - as do the latest Ladbrokes odds. Japan haven't lost a competitive match since June 2025, and with Sweden winning just three of their last 12 games, everything points to routine qualification for the Japanese - but we don't expect it to be easy.
We're hoping for an unforgettable clash in Texas, but ultimately, we're tipping Japan to come out on top, no matter how fearsome Sweden's strike partnership might be.
You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Japan vs Sweden Bet Builder. Plus, with Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet not only with other World Cup matches, but also with different sports.
Japan vs Sweden takes place on Friday, 26 June, with kick-off for the Group F match scheduled for 00:00 BST.
How can I watch Japan vs Sweden at the World Cup?
The World Cup match, Japan vs Sweden, will be shown live on BBC and BBC iPlayer for UK viewers.
Can you bet on Japan vs Sweden?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Japan vs Sweden markets, including match result, both teams to score, and over/under total goals.
