Japan Reach World Cup Knockouts After Sweden Draw

Japan booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 as Group F runners-up after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Sweden at Dallas Stadium. The result also ensured Sweden progressed as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams.
Knowing a draw would be enough to qualify,

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Japan controlled possession for much of the first half. Daizen Maeda went close with an early header before Yukinari Sugawara tested goalkeeper Jacob Zetterstrom. Keito Nakamura also nearly broke the deadlock, but his curling effort was brilliantly pushed around the post.

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The breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes into the second half when Maeda raced onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Ritsu Doan and calmly slotted home.

Sweden responded almost immediately as Anthony Elanga produced a stunning 20-yard strike to level the scores. The Swedes then pushed for a winner, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made crucial saves to deny Alexander Isak and Elanga, preserving the draw that sent both teams into the knockout stage.

With the Netherlands topping Group F after defeating Tunisia, Japan will now face Group C winners Brazil in the Round of 32. Sweden, meanwhile, will take on the winner of either Group B, E or I.

Your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match is Anthony Elanga. 👏#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/K43PwZQlXq

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2026

Player of the Match: Anthony Elanga (Sweden)

Post-Match Reaction

Japan goalscorer Daizen Maeda praised veteran Yuto Nagatomo's leadership after the match.
"With him (Nagatomo) around, this team is united. Even when he's not on the pitch, he's been cheering us on from the bench, which is why I could take the field today. That's something I need to learn from. Without it being just for his sake, I want all of us to see something beautiful together."