Lagerback warns Sweden must stay compact against Japan

Former Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has warned that Sweden must remain tactically disciplined and mentally strong ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F clash against Japan in Dallas on Friday.

Sweden face Japan in their final group-stage match, knowing that their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds are hanging in the balance.

Read Also: Messi leaves door open for 2030 FIFA World Cup

Lagerback has fond memories of Sweden’s previous experiences in Japan, including a pre-2002 World Cup training camp in Miyazaki and a 1-1 draw with Japan in Yokohama shortly before the tournament.

Sweden went on to top a group containing England, Argentina and Nigeria before suffering a dramatic 2-1 extra-time defeat to Senegal in the Round of 16.

“We had a good mix – players with good physical strength and some really good, more technical attacking players,” Lagerback recalled of the 2002 squad captained by Johan Mjallby and featuring stars such as Freddie Ljungberg and Henrik Larsson.

“But also, one very important thing in these kind of tournaments is the attitude and character, and we had a really strong team mentally.”

Lagerback later guided Sweden to the Round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup in Germany before coaching Nigeria at the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Questions have been raised about Sweden’s consistency following their 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands in their second group match. The heavy loss came just six days after an impressive 5-1 victory over Tunisia.

The result has left Sweden third in Group F, one point behind both Japan and the Netherlands, and facing the prospect of a first group-stage exit at a World Cup since 1990.

Lagerback believes Sweden face a formidable challenge against a highly organised Japanese side.

“For me, they play very good and effective football,” he said.

“They want to play fast and even if I think they’re a bit lacking in terms of strength, when it comes to speed and movement, you can see it’s a really, really well-organised team.

“Their understanding of the game is absolutely excellent, and I expect that Sweden will have a very, very tough game.”

Japan enter the match knowing a positive result would secure their place in the knockout stages, while Sweden must respond strongly after their setback against the Dutch to keep their World Cup hopes alive.