Japan and Sweden secured places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after playing out a 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead 11 minutes into the second half with a well-worked team goal, but Sweden responded six minutes later as Anthony Elanga curled a superb left-footed strike into the net.
Sweden pushed for a winner, with Alexander Isak coming closest, only to be denied by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The result saw Japan finish as Group F runners-up and set up a Round of 32 clash with Brazil, while Sweden advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.