Full Breakdown
Japan and Sweden Draw 1-1, Advance to Knockouts
6/26/2026, 5:49:14 AM
Match Outcome: 1-1 Draw Secures Knockout Spots
On Thursday night (June 25/26, 2026) at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in the Group F finale. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead in the 56th minute after a Ritsu Doan pass; six minutes later Anthony Elanga equalised with a left-footed strike. The Netherlands had already secured the group top with seven points, leaving Japan second with five and Sweden third with four, both advancing to the round of 32.
Key Performances
Maeda’s goal, set up by Doan, beat goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström. Elanga’s equaliser was his second World Cup goal of the year. Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made four saves, including two in stoppage time against Elanga and Alexander Isak. Sweden earned eight corner kicks to Japan’s two.
Official Statements & Responses
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said the tournament offers a valuable experience for Japanese football and that the team believes it can win against Brazil. Sweden coach Graham Potter stressed the need to recover players and ensure physical readiness before the knockout round.
Criticism & Opposition
Fox Sports analysts noted that Sweden’s progress depends on the output of Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak, and that Japan’s disciplined defence limited Sweden’s attacking opportunities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some sources list the match date as June 25, while others record June 26, reflecting time-zone differences; no detailed tactical analysis is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We do believe there’s a chance for us to win. And then we hope that we will be able to move one step further move on to the next stage.” — Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach
- “We have to probably recover the players first and make sure that physically we’re in a good place for whoever we play,” — Graham Potter, Sweden coach
- “I'm happy I scored, of course I want to win, but in the end everyone shouted at me that we need to get one point.” — Anthony Elanga, Sweden forward
- “But I'm happy we're through, and now we have to try to play even better in the next match.” — Anthony Elanga, Sweden forward
What’s Next
Japan will meet Brazil, the Group C winner, in Houston on June 29. Sweden’s round-of-32 opponent will be determined after the remaining group matches, with France or Norway identified as the most probable opponents.
