Japan vs. Sweden: Head-to-head record and past meetings ahead of 2026 World Cup contest

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 6

Japan wins: 1

Draws: 3

Sweden wins: 2

Japan and Sweden have locked horns on six previous occasions, and it is the former that leads the overall head-to-head two wins to one, while there have also been three draws.

The first-ever clash between the two nations came at the Olympic Games back in 1936, with Japan recording a 3-2 victory over Sweden.

Each of the next four contests were friendlies, including their most recent meeting in May 2002, with the pair playing out a 1-1 draw.

The two nations were also unable to be separated when they met at the 2026 World Cup in June 2026, with the two drawing 1-1 once again.

Japan had taken the lead in the 56th minute through Daizen Maeda, before Sweden's Anthony Elanga levelled just after the hour mark.

The stalemate ensured that Japan would claim second in Group F, advancing into the knockouts, while Sweden finished third and also advanced as one of eight third-placed teams.

Previous meetings

Jun 26, 2026: Japan 1-1 Sweden (World Cup)

May 24, 2002: Japan 1-1 Sweden (international friendly)

Feb 13, 1997: Japan 0-1 Sweden (international friendly)

Feb 22, 1996: Japan 1-1 Sweden - Sweden won 6-5 on penalties (international friendly)

Jun 10, 1995: Japan 2-2 Sweden (international friendly)

Aug 04, 1936: Japan 3-2 Sweden (Olympic Games)

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