Dallas, Jun 26 (V7N) – Japan secured a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing out a 1-1 draw against Sweden in their final Group F match on Friday. The result saw the Samurai Blue finish as group runners-up, while Sweden also advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.
After a goalless first half, Japan broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Daizen Maeda finished clinically after being set up by Ritsu Doan.
Sweden responded quickly, drawing level just six minutes later through Anthony Elanga, who fired home a spectacular long-range effort to make it 1-1.
The closing stages saw Sweden push hard for a winner, creating several dangerous opportunities. However, Japan goalkeeper Gion Suzuki produced crucial saves in stoppage time to deny both Elanga and Alexander Isak, preserving the draw and Japan's place in the knockout rounds.
In the other Group F fixture, the Netherlands defeated Tunisia to finish as group winners. The Dutch will face Morocco in the Round of 32, while Japan have been handed a challenging tie against five-time world champions Brazil.
Sweden, having qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, will next face the winner of either Group B, Group E or Group I, depending on the final knockout-stage bracket.
Tunisia, meanwhile, ended their World Cup campaign without a point after suffering defeats in all three group-stage matches and finished bottom of Group F.
END/SMA/AJ
