Japan through to World Cup last 32 after 1-1 draw with Sweden

Japan will face five-time champions Brazil in the round of 32.

Japan's Daizen Maeda scores against Sweden in the sides' 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F game at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Jun 25, 2026. (Photo: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)

26 Jun 2026 09:06AM

DALLAS: Japan held on to draw 1-1 with Sweden in their World Cup match on Thursday (Jun 25) to finish runners-up in Group F and book a meeting in the round of 32 with five-time champions Brazil after an Anthony Elanga strike cancelled out Daizen Maeda's opener.Japan's Maeda broke the deadlock early in the second half following a cagey opening period when he timed a run perfectly into the box and finished from Ritsu Doan’s pinpoint pass.Sweden responded minutes later after Elanga carried the ball before unleashing a long-range shot that beat Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Alexander Isak nearly found the winner for Sweden deep in second-half stoppage time, but Suzuki managed to tip his glancing header onto the crossbar.Japan finished on five points behind group winners the Netherlands on seven points. Japan face Brazil in a round of 32 clash on Monday in Houston while Sweden move on with four points as one of the best third-place teams.