World Cup 2026 / Japan 1 - 1 Sweden: The Samurai advance to the round of 16, suspense for the Scandinavians

25.06.26 FT World Cup

Japan

1

:

Sweden

1

Japan has booked its ticket to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Held to a draw by a valiant Swedish side (1-1), the Blue Samurai finish second in Group F, while the Scandinavians must wait to learn their fate in the tournament.

A draw that suits almost everyone. In Dallas, Japan and Sweden shared the spoils (1-1) in this final Group F fixture. The first half was tight and lacked clear chances, giving no hint of the drama to come.

Read also: World Cup 2026 / Japan 0 - 0 Sweden: everything still to play for at halftime!

The match truly came alive after the break. The Samurai Blue struck first through Daizen Maeda in the 56th minute, before Anthony Elanga leveled for Sweden just six minutes later (62').

This result locks in the final standings for both teams in the group. Japan secures second place and a spot in the round of 16. Sweden, in third, now waits to see if they will progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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