Japan draw 1-1 with Sweden to book their last-16 spot in Arlington
Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead and Anthony Elanga levelled for Sweden, a draw that qualifies Japan as Group F runners-up at the 2026 World Cup.
Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in a tight Group F clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the imposing Texan venue for the 2026 World Cup holding 70,600 spectators and famous for its giant hanging videoboard. The split came at this 48-team World Cup staged by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Japan struck first in the second half. In the 56th minute, Daizen Maeda finished off a Ritsu Doan pass to put Hajime Moriyasu's side ahead, set up in a 3-4-2-1 with Doan and Daichi Kamada as the attacking midfielders. The goal brought the Japanese closer to their qualification goal.
The Swedish response was swift. In the 62nd minute, Anthony Elanga levelled after an assist from Viktor Gyökeres, restoring parity in a thrilling game. Graham Potter's team, lined up in a 3-4-3 with Alexander Isak and Gyökeres himself up front, pushed hard for the winning goal they needed to dream of the last 16.
The contest had its edge, reflected in the bookings: for Sweden, Isak Hien (32') and Viktor Gyökeres (85') were cautioned, while Japan's Shogo Taniguchi (77') saw yellow. The Japanese defence, with Ko Itakura and Hiroki Itō, managed the closing stages to protect a golden point.
With this draw, Japan close Group F on five points and qualify as runners-up, behind a leading Netherlands side. Sweden, by contrast, finish third on four points and must await the comparison between the best third-placed teams to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.