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

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.