Japan and Sweden sealed their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a 1-1 draw in their final Group F match at Dallas Stadium on Thursday (local time). The draw ensured Japan finished the group unbeaten and sent Sweden through alongside them, while the Netherlands topped Group F with two wins and a draw.
The first half was tight and cagey, with both teams defending in disciplined blocks and creating few clear chances. Japan controlled more of the ball in midfield but found it difficult to break down Sweden’s defence. Keito Nakamura produced the best opportunity for either side before half-time, only to be denied by Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
Injury concerns affected both sides before the break: Sweden defender Isak Hien was forced off and Japan replaced Ko Itakura. The match opened up after the interval when Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead in the 56th minute, finishing a slick team move that involved Yukinari Sugawara, Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda.
Sweden responded quickly. Six minutes later Anthony Elanga seized on a loose ball, cut inside from the flank and curled a shot past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to level the score at 1-1. The goal restored parity and left both teams satisfied that a draw would be enough to progress.
As the game wound down, both coaches made tactical substitutions to shore up their sides and protect the result. Sweden pressed from late set-pieces seeking a winner, but Suzuki produced a calm, composed display to keep the score unchanged. The 1-1 draw confirmed Japan and Sweden’s advancement to the knockout stage, with the Netherlands finishing atop Group F.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/japan-sweden-reach-world-cup-round-of-32-after-stalemate-1414361-2026-06-26?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-26 08:36:00
