By Dwayne Ferreira.
Maeda and Elanga trade second-half goals as Japan draw 1-1 with Sweden, sending both nations into the World Cup round of 32 after a tense Group F finale.
Japan and Sweden both secured places in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 after Anthony Elanga’s superb equaliser earned the Swedes a 1-1 Group F draw in Dallas.
Japan entered the final group match unbeaten on four points after drawing with the Netherlands and defeating Tunisia 4-0. Sweden had three points following a 5-1 victory over Tunisia and a defeat by the same score against the Dutch, leaving Graham Potter’s side needing at least a draw to protect their qualification hopes.
The first half was cautious, with both teams aware that one point could prove enough. Japan controlled longer spells of possession and attempted to move Sweden’s powerful forwards away from dangerous transition opportunities, while the Swedes defended in a more compact structure than they had shown against the Netherlands.
Keito Nakamura created the clearest opening before halftime. Daizen Maeda laid the ball into his path and the winger struck first time, forcing Jacob Widell Zetterström into a full-stretch save around the post. At the other end, Viktor Gyökeres drove forward before a deflection sent his attempt wide.
Japan returned from the interval with greater attacking purpose. Ao Tanaka fired off target before an intricate move unlocked Sweden in the 56th minute. Ritsu Doan exchanged passes with Ayase Ueda, moved infield and slid the ball between the centre-backs for the unmarked Maeda to finish calmly.
The lead lasted only six minutes. Elanga received possession near the corner of the penalty area and curled a magnificent left-footed strike over the defensive line and beyond the unsighted Zion Suzuki. The goal restored Sweden’s position among the qualifying third-placed teams and changed the momentum of the contest.
Sweden nearly completed the turnaround three minutes later when Alexander Isak found space to shoot, but Suzuki produced a sprawling save to his left. Japan’s goalkeeper again denied Isak during stoppage time, pushing the striker’s header against the crossbar to preserve the point.
Maeda’s goal crowned one of Japan’s finest team moves of the group stage, while Suzuki’s late saves ensured they remained unbeaten. Elanga provided Sweden’s decisive individual contribution and later acknowledged that teammates had made him aware a draw would be sufficient during the closing stages.
Japan finished second in Group F with five points, two behind the Netherlands. Hajime Moriyasu’s team will face five-time champions Brazil in Houston on June 29, carrying the confidence of an unbeaten group campaign despite several important players missing through injury.
Sweden finished third with four points and secured one of the eight places reserved for the strongest third-placed teams. Their round-of-32 opponent and venue depend on the final bracket allocation, but the recovery from their heavy Dutch defeat ensured their tournament survived and gave Potter another opportunity to rebuild momentum.
MATCH SUMMARY
Japan – 1
Daizen Maeda 56’
Sweden – 1
Anthony Elanga 62’
Result: Draw, 1-1
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group F
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Date: June 25, 2026
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