FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan and Sweden reach knockouts with 1-1 draw

Arlington (USA): Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took the lead six minutes later to earn Sweden a 1-1 draw on Thursday night and both teams advancing to the knockout round of the World Cup.

It is Japan’s third straight World Cup group stage exit since first reaching the round of 16 as hosts in 2002, and fifth time in seven attempts. The Japanese team finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands and will face Brazil in Houston on Monday.

The Swedes have advanced to the knockout rounds the last four times they have qualified for the World Cup, reaching the semifinals in 1994 when the United States last hosted soccer’s biggest event.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup: Sweden’s Elanga draw with Japan to keep hopes alive

Maeda scored Japan’s seventh goal of the tournament; this was the country’s highest goal tally during the entire World Cup. This surpassed the record six achieved by the Japanese when reaching the last 16 in Russia eight years ago.