[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sweden/OQyqbHWB/"]Sweden[/a] go into the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/japan/ULXPdOUj/"]Japan[/a] match (Friday 26th, 01:00 CEST) knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the Round of 32, that a draw will almost certainly be enough, and even a narrow defeat could see them through as one of the best third-placed sides.[/p][p]There is still reason for Blagult fans to be optimistic, a view shared by striker [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gyokeres-viktor/zaBZ1xIk/"]Gyokeres[/a]: [b]"There is one match left in the group. So we just have to make sure we win it and things will look good again. It will be a fun match to play, and a lot is at stake. It will be fun,"[/b] said the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/arsenal/hA1Zm19f/"]Arsenal[/a] man.[/p][p]Fun, but also a tough match lies in wait for Sweden; Japan not only matched Graham Potter's side by beating [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/tunisia/QqZVYk95/"]Tunisia[/a] by four goals, but went toe-to-toe with the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/netherlands/WYintcWb/"]Netherlands[/a] in a 2-2 draw.[/p][p][b]"We know that Japan is a very good team. It will take a good performance to beat them,"[/b] said midfielder [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/nygren-benjamin/WCHWGOvf/"]Benjamin Nygren[/a], who is relishing the position his team finds itself in ahead of the final group game.[/p][p][b]"We have everything in our own hands and it's up to us whether we advance or not. Before the World Cup, it was the seat you wanted to be in before the last match."[/b][/p][embed guid="66d9e34b-b749-46f0-89da-8841e67ba090" url="https://x.com/svenskfotboll/status/2069062680212652493" social-type="twitter" /][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/bergvall-lucas/th3mAHj9/"]Lucas Bergvall[/a] has come off the bench in both of Sweden's matches so far and is one of a handful of players pushing for a start against Japan. The midfielder is dreaming of a first World Cup start, but has faith in the decision Potter makes, and in his teammates.[/p][p][b]"We know what kind of team we have and what qualities we have. We have to level up and improve our defence. But we still have a lot to play for. We have much bigger ambitions than this,"[/b] said the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/tottenham/UDg08Ohm/"]Tottenham Hotspur[/a] man.[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/japan-ULXPdOUj/sweden-OQyqbHWB/?mid=Sl2xgtXi"]Follow Sweden vs Japan and every World Cup match on Flashscore.[/a][/b][/p]
'Everything in our hands': Gyokeres looks forward to 'fun' match against Japan
The 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands may have perfectly cancelled out Sweden's ideal start to the 2026 World Cup, in the form of their 5-1 win over Tunisia, but it has done nothing to cancel the good mood of Viktor Gyokeres and his teammates as Sweden prepare to face Japan in their final Group F match.
Related stories
⚽ Football
New
Germany substitute Nadiem Amiri eyeing more playing time after 'huge' World Cup moment
Reuters
⚽ Football
New
EXCLUSIVE: Viking coach believes Norway have enough X-factor to reach World Cup quarter-finals
Svend Bertil Frandsen
⚽ Football
New
Giovanni Malago elected President of Italian Football Federation
Reuters
⚽ Football
New
England defender Djed Spence admits Thomas Tuchel demands high standards
Reuters
⚽ Football
New
Tomas Araujo ruled out of Uzbekistan match after missing training through injury
Rodrigo Coimbra
⚽ Football
New
Manchester United secure majority land for proposed new 100,000-seater stadium
AFP