Japan guarantees draw against Sweden and confirms place to face Brazil in the next phase of the World Cup
A match played in Dallas on Thursday, June 25th at 6pm (local time) saw Japan and Sweden draw, with highlights from the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ clash available to fans.
With the result of equality in this unprecedented meeting, the Japanese team secured its position in second place in the group and guaranteed advancement to the round of 16, where it will face the Brazilian team next Monday.
The final score marked Japan 1 x 1 Sweden in Group F. The Japanese goal was scored by Maeda in the 10th minute of the second half, while Elanga found the net for Sweden in the 16th minute of the final stage.
The draw in Dallas sealed progress to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. In the first historic clash between these two nations, Japan and Sweden recorded a 1-1 in a second stage full of emotion. After a slower start to the game, the goals came from Maeda, for the Asians, and Elanga, who restored equality for the Scandinavians.
Thanks to this outcome, Japan consolidated its second position in Group F, advancing in the competition alongside the Netherlands, who finished as group leader. Sweden also continues in the tournament, ranking among the best third-placed teams.
The date and time of the clash against Brazil
The draw defined the Asian team’s course in the championship: the Blue Samurais will face Brazil in the round of 16 stage. The clash will take place next Monday, in the city of Houston, starting at 2pm Brasília time, 4pm in Praia and 6pm in Lisbon.
The dynamics of the match revealed two very different halves. The opening 45 minutes were characterized by intense physical competition and two substitutions due to early injuries – Hien, from Sweden, and Itakura, from the Japanese defense – ending without opening the score at half-time.
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In the second half, the game gained intensity: Japan opened the scoring in the 10th minute with Maeda, after a beautiful assist from Doan. However, the advantage was short-lived, as Elanga finished off a cross in the 16th minute, clinching the draw.
The game continued with chances for both sides after the goals, remaining open until the final whistle, but the score did not change.
Group F final classification
Anthony Elanga of Sweden was named Superior Player of the Match, sponsored by Michelob Ultra.
Curiosities and historical data about the selections
Before the recent clash, Japan had a four-game unbeaten run against the Swedes, which included a 3-2 victory at the 1936 Olympics and three friendly draws, the most recent being a 1-1 draw in May 2002.
The Japanese team has displayed remarkable offensive ability, registering two or more goals in seven of its last ten World Cup appearances.
Daichi Kamada achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second Japanese player to score in consecutive World Cup matches, a feat previously achieved by Junichi Inamoto in 2002.
Sweden, in turn, boasts a robust record in World Cup group stages, with the defeat to the Netherlands being only the second defeat in their last 14 games at this stage of the FIFA World Cup.
