Japan and Sweden played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a result that sent both sides into the knockout stage. Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead on 56 minutes before Anthony Elanga replied with a 20-yard strike on 62, as Japan advanced as group runners-up and Sweden booked a place among the eight best third-placed teams.
The Samurai Blue arrived at Dallas Stadium knowing a draw would be enough to secure a top-two finish, while Sweden needed all three points to leapfrog Japan into second place. In the end, the stalemate suited Japan, and Sweden did enough to move on as well, with the Netherlands finishing top of the section after defeating already eliminated Tunisia.
How Japan and Sweden shared the points in Dallas
Japan began by asserting control, dictating the tempo and pushing Sweden deep in their own half. Maeda went close early, heading narrowly wide, before Yukinari Sugawara tested Jakob Zetterstrom as Japan looked to turn their possession into a breakthrough.
Keito Nakamura then came even closer to opening the scoring, but his cleverly disguised effort was tipped around the post by Zetterstrom, who was later singled out for praise by Elanga after the match.
The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes after the restart. Maeda latched on to a through ball from Ritsu Doan and finished smartly into the corner to put Japan 1-0 up in the 56th minute.
Sweden’s response was immediate. Just six minutes later, Elanga struck back with a ferocious 20-yard effort to level the match at 1-1 and swing the momentum in Sweden’s favour as they chased the win they needed to move into second place.
With Sweden in the ascendancy, Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced key saves to keep the scoreline intact, denying Alexander Isak and Elanga as the contest became increasingly gripping. Sweden pushed for the goal that would have lifted them into the runners-up spot, but Japan held firm to secure the point they required.
The match ended all square, confirming Japan’s passage to the Round of 32 as Group F runners-up and ensuring Sweden progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
Key stat
Japan have gone unbeaten in the World Cup group stage for the first time.
What they said
“I really wanted to win today, but I think a point was enough in the end. And listen, I’m really proud of the whole team, especially [GK] Jakob [Zetterstrom] who came in today. I think he played a terrific game.” Anthony Elanga, Sweden player
“The first half was a tight match. On the other hand, in the second half we got the lead, but after being equalized, the momentum shifted to the opponent. Despite that, I think we achieved what was important—conceding the minimum, not losing, and securing at least a point. Being able to carry this unbeaten momentum into the Brazil match next is definitely positive.” Zion Suzuki, Japan goalkeeper
“(On Nagaotmo) It’s not for me to say, but he’s a wonderful player—appearing this many times in Japanese soccer is remarkable. In this tournament, he’s guiding the team in a positive direction both on and off the pitch. Of course, he played today, and the fact that we’ve come this far is thanks to not just him but many senior players. That said, I feel like our real battle starts now. So I think it would be good to battle alongside him moving forward.” Ao Tanaka, Japan player
“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.” Daizen Maeda, Japan player
What the result means for Group F and the Round of 32
With the Netherlands beating Tunisia to claim top spot in Group F, Japan finished second and will meet Group C winners Brazil in the Round of 32. Sweden, meanwhile, progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will next face the winner of Group B, E or I.
Elanga was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after scoring Sweden’s equaliser and playing a central role in the push that followed.