Fans are thrilled to see goalkeeper Widell Zetterström in Sweden’s starting XI for the final group game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Japan.
Sweden national team boss Graham Potter made three changes to his team that started their last outing – a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands. In addition to Zetterström, Elliot Stroud and Anthony Elanga are the other two players handed their first starts of this World Cup.
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The Blue and Yellow are currently third in their group, trailing the Netherlands and Japan by one point. They will have to defeat the Samurai Blue to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 32.
Following their humiliating defeat to the Oranje, Potter decided to change his custodian, bringing in Zetterström for Kristoffer Nordfeldt, who was in goal in their opening two matches. Zetterström’s inclusion in the starting line-up thrilled several fans, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement.
A fan wrote:
“SWEDENS NUMBER ONE.”
Another tweeted:
“Yes JWZ 🤍🖤🐏”
A third remarked:
“Finally a good goalkeeper.”
“JWZ – Clean sheet confirmed,” one claimed.
Sweden are one of the eight best third-placed team heading into this clash.
Sweden’s starting eleven: 1 Jacob Widell Zetterström (mv), 2 Gustaf Lagerbielke, 3 Victor Nilsson Lindelöf (K), 4 Isak Hien, 5 Gabriel Gudmundsson, 9 Alexander Isak, 11 Anthony Elanga, 17 Viktor Gyökeres, 18 Yasin Ayari, 21 Alexander Bernhardsson, 24 Elliot Stroud.
Substitutes: 6 Herman Johansson, 7 Lucas Bergvall, 8 Daniel Svensson, 10 Benjamin Nygren, 12 Viktor Johansson (mv), 13 Ken Sema, 14 Hjalmar Ekdal, 15 Carl Starfelt, 16 Jesper Karlström, 19 Mattias Svanberg, 20 Eric Smith, 22 Besfort Zeneli, 23 Kristoffer Nordfeldt, 25 Gustaf Nilsson, 26 Taha Ali.
“Has been very good in our training” – Potter on Zetterström’s inclusion in Sweden’s starting XI to face Japan
Potter explained his decision to name Zetterström as a starter for Thursday’s clash against Japan. During a media appearance ahead of kick-off, Potter said the shotstopper is coming off a ‘fantastic season’ and has been impressive in training.
“He has had a fantastic season and has been very good in our training. All players have different qualities and we believe Jacob’s qualities can contribute and help us in this match,” said Potter.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss also praised Japan, calling them a very organised side.
“Japan is a difficult opponent who has a strong team. Japan are a very good opponent. A well-organized team and our mission is to improve on what we did against the Netherlands and hopefully we can disrupt them with our own attacking play,” he added.
Sweden have a rich history in the World Cup, with the 2026 edition marking their 13th appearance at the tournament.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide