Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu says his team will go all out for victory against Sweden on Thursday as they look to finish on top of Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Japan will top the group if they get a better result against Sweden than the Netherlands do against already eliminated Tunisia.
The group winners will face Morocco in Monterrey in the round of 32. The runners up will meet five time champions Brazil in Houston.
A draw would be enough for Japan to qualify, but Moriyasu said his side are focused only on winning.
“As for our objectives, we want to win and qualify in first place,” Moriyasu said at his pre match press conference.
“I think playing in Monterrey would be the best option.
“We had a pre tournament training camp there, we played against Tunisia there, and the players have already experienced the atmosphere of the stadium as well as the pitch conditions and how the venue works.
“So being able to play in a place we’re already familiar with is definitely an advantage.”
Japan opened their campaign with a 2 2 draw against the Netherlands before beating Tunisia 4 0.
Both Japan and the Netherlands have four points. The Dutch lead the group because they have scored more goals, although both teams have the same goal difference.
Sweden lost 5 1 to the Netherlands in their previous match, but Moriyasu believes they remain a dangerous team.
“Sweden are a very strong side,” he said.
“They’re solid in defence and quick in attack. It won’t be an easy match. First and foremost, we need to focus on winning.
“I hope our defenders enjoy coming up against world class strikers like Isak and Gyokeres.
“I hope they make the most of this as a valuable experience to help them improve their own game.”
Japan have reached the World Cup knockout stage four times but have never gone beyond the round of 16.
Their last World Cup campaign ended with a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in 2022.
