Japan vs Sweden, in Dallas, is actually a Group F playoff that automatically qualifies for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage – and you can watch the match for free from anywhere.
After a useful 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their Group F opener, Japan all but secured their place in the knockout stages with a thunderous 4-0 win over Tunisia in Monterrey. Striker Ayase Ueda’s brace, plus a further assist, stole the show to fire Samurai Blue into second place in the group, level on points and goal difference with the Dutch. That leaves manager Hajime Moriyasu with a dilemma – a point ensures they stay above today’s opponents and finish at least second, so do they take the conservative approach? Or do they continue with the attacking mindset that has seen them score six goals in two games to try to overtake the Dutch, who are playing out of Tunisia, in first place?
Sweden’s game has had spars on goal. A 5-1 drubbing of Tunisia was followed by a sobering defeat by the same score against the Netherlands, so which version of Graham Potter’s side will we see here? The Englishman will be hoping it’s the former after he appeared to have found a system that got the best out of star strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak. Sweden know that a win guarantees second place at worst, while a draw should also be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, barring an almost impossible sequence of future events.
With both sides desperate to avoid defeat, don’t be surprised to see a risk-taking approach.
So read on as we show you exactly how to watch Japan vs Sweden for free from anywhere in FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch Japan vs Sweden for free
Japan vs Sweden is available to watch for free in several countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Japan vs Sweden live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re out and about, you might spot your usual Japan vs Sweden stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world, so you can safely access your usual VM coverage as if you were back at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Japan vs Sweden in the US
American viewers can watch Japan vs Sweden on Fox.
Cord cutters can access Fox through live TV services such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch Japan vs Sweden Fox One (3-day free trial).
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your WC stream for free thanks Norton VPN (Try for 60 days).
How to watch Japan vs Sweden in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream Japan vs Sweden free on BBC. Live coverage is available at BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you are abroad today.
How to watch Japan vs Sweden in Australia
Japan vs Sweden will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform has every game in the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Are you traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN that Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch Japan vs Sweden in Canada
In Canada, TSN will broadcast Japan vs Sweden.
You can stream live via TSN+ streaming platform, which costs $80 per month or $80 per year.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Japan vs Sweden: Match Information
When does Japan vs Sweden start?
Japan vs Sweden starts at 12pm BST / 9am AEST Friday 26 June. It is at 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, June 25 in the US.
What is the squad for Japan vs Sweden?
Japan
Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Aya Suzuka (Parma Calcio).
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Weruke Bremen), JunosFC Copenhagen.
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad).
Extenders: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Ito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shiode (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden).
Sweden
Goalkeepers: Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby County).
Defenders: Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Herman Johansson (FC Dallas), Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Eric Smith (FC St. Pauli), Elliot Stroud (Mjallby AIF).
Midfielders: Mattias Svanberg (VfL Wolfsburg), Jesper Karlstrom (Udinese), Yasin Ayari (Brighton & Hove Albion), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham Hotspur), Besfort Zeneli (Union Saint-Gilloise).
Extenders: Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), Ken Sema (Paphos), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic), Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Taha Ali (Malmo FF).
|
Position |
Team |
DG |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
The Netherlands |
4 |
4 |
|
2 |
Japan |
4 |
4 |
|
3 |
Sweden |
0 |
3 |
|
4 |
Tunisia |
-8 |
0 |
Can I watch Japan vs Sweden on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the World Cup highlights on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
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