World Cup 2026: Japan and Sweden Level at Half-Time (0-0)

Japan and Sweden are locked at 0-0 at half-time in their 2026 World Cup Group F match at AT&T Stadium after a tight first half.

Henry DONCHE
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SUMMARY

The 2026 World Cup group-stage match between Japan and Sweden at AT&T Stadium is goalless at half-time, 0-0. The score reflects a competitive first half marked by a few tactical adjustments and a yellow card.

Japan, buoyed by their convincing 4-0 win over Tunisia in their last match, began this game in a 3-4-3 formation under head coach Hajime Moriyasu. Sweden, coached by Graham Potter, adopted a 3-4-1-2 system after a heavy 1-5 defeat to the Netherlands, looking to get back on track in this very balanced Group F.

Among the key incidents, Swedish defender Isak Hien received a yellow card in the 32nd minute before being replaced in the 37th minute by Lucas Bergvall. For Japan, defender Ko Itakura came on for Shogo Taniguchi in the 39th minute, a sign of a defensive reshuffle shortly before the break.

The half-time statistics show Japan with a slight territorial edge, holding 52% possession compared with Sweden’s 48%. The Samurai Blue attempted two shots, neither of them on target, while the Scandinavian side managed one effort on target but could not find the net. Clear chances therefore remained limited for both teams.

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki stood out with a decisive save, underlining his alertness during the first half. Midfielders Daichi Kamada for Japan and Yasin Ayari for Sweden were also notable for their work rate, without being able to turn their efforts into major dangerous situations before the break.

Japan built around a back three and a three-pronged attack

Japan are playing in a 3-4-3 with Zion Suzuki in goal. The defence is based on Ayumu Seko, Ko Itakura, and Hiroki Ito, protected by a line of ball-winning midfielders, Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka. In attack, Keito Nakamura, Ayase Ueda and Daizen Maeda are trying to find space to make the difference. This attacking setup emphasizes mobility and width, with the aim of breaking through the Swedish defence.

Sweden’s 3-4-1-2 relies on defensive solidity and attacking depth

Sweden have Jacob Widell Zetterström in goal, supported by a back three made up of Victor Lindelöf, Isak Hien, and Gustav Lagerbielke. The midfield is built around Elliot Stroud, Yasin Ayari, Alexander Bernhardsson, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak form the attacking trio. This setup combines defensive density with the ability to release the forwards quickly.

Japan
Half-time AT&T Stadium
Sweden
26/06/2026 00:00 Group F
Fil du match
  1. 32'Carton jaune - Isak HienSuède, 32e
  2. 37'Remplacement - Isak Hien (remplace Lucas Bergvall)Suède, 37e
  3. 39'Remplacement - Ko Itakura (remplace Shogo Taniguchi)Japon, 39e
Les chiffres du match
  • Tirs cadres : Japan 0 / Sweden 1
  • Tirs : Japan 2 / Sweden 1
  • Possession : Japan 52% / Sweden 48%
  • Corners : Japan 0 / Sweden 2
  • Fautes : Japan 5 / Sweden 3
  • Cartons jaunes : Japan 0 / Sweden 1
  • Cartons rouges : Japan 0 / Sweden 0
Group F schedule
View full schedule
Group F
Netherlands
Finished AT&T Stadium
Japan
Group F
Sweden
Finished Estadio BBVA
Tunisia
Group F
Netherlands
Finished NRG Stadium
Sweden
Group F
Tunisia
Finished Estadio BBVA
Japan
Group F
Japan
Half-time AT&T Stadium
Sweden
Group F
Tunisia
Half-time Arrowhead Stadium
Netherlands
Group F
TeamJGNPBPBCDiffPts
Netherlands21107344
Japan21106244
Sweden21016603
Tunisia200219-80
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FIL D'ACTU
00:53 Football : World Cup 2026: Japan and Sweden Level at Half-Time (0-0)
00:50 Football : World Cup 2026: Netherlands Lead Tunisia at Half-Time (2-0)
00:53 World Cup 2026: Japan and Sweden Level at Half-Time (0-0)