Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F final match on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Dallas Stadium, a result that carried both nations into the knockout stage. Daizen Maeda gave Japan a second-half lead before Anthony Elanga’s superb curled finish levelled matters, sending Hajime Moriyasu’s side through as group runners-up and Graham Potter’s Sweden into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Key Takeaways
- Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in their Group F finale, a result that sent both nations into the World Cup knockout stage.
- Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead in the 56th minute, finishing a move created by Ritsu Doan.
- Anthony Elanga equalised for Sweden in the 62nd minute with a curled left-footed finish, his second goal in two World Cup matches.
- Japan finished second in Group F on five points; Sweden advanced third as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
- Sweden named the youngest starting XI in their World Cup history, at an average age of 26 years and 273 days.
The Japan vs Sweden matchup was shaped by the knowledge that a point was likely to be enough for both teams. Japan needed only to avoid defeat to secure second place, while Sweden required a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive through the best third-placed rankings. The caution that came with those stakes defined a quiet first half before the game sprang to life after the interval.
How did Japan and Sweden book their knockout places?
The opening 45 minutes were a cagey affair, with both sides content to keep their shape and avoid the mistake that might cost them a place in the next round. Chances were at a premium, and the teams went in level at the break with little to separate them.
The deadlock broke in the 56th minute. Some intricate interplay on the edge of the Sweden penalty area ended with Ritsu Doan releasing Daizen Maeda, who slid the ball home to put Japan in front and momentarily reshape the picture in Group F.
Sweden’s response was swift and spectacular. Six minutes later, Anthony Elanga collected possession and curled a glorious left-footed effort beyond Zion Suzuki for his second goal in as many World Cup matches. The 1-1 scoreline suited both teams, and neither pushed recklessly for a winner in the closing stages, seeing out a draw that confirmed their progress to the Round of 32.
What were the key statistics of the Japan vs Sweden World Cup 2026 matchup?
The statistics captured an evenly contested match in which Sweden had the greater volume of attempts, but Japan fashioned the higher-quality openings, reflected in a clear edge in expected goals (xG). Possession was split almost down the middle.
| Statistic | Japan | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Total shots | 8 | 11 |
| Shots on target | 3 | 5 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.21 | 0.64 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 4 | 2 |
| Fouls committed | 20 | 11 |
Sweden registered more shots and forced Zion Suzuki into four saves, but Japan’s chances carried greater threat, as shown by their 1.21 xG. The high foul count on Japan’s side underlined how physical and disrupted the contest became, yet neither goalkeeper was seriously overworked in a match settled by two moments of quality.
Who were the standout performers and starters for each side?
Anthony Elanga was the game’s decisive figure, his curled equaliser continuing a rich run of World Cup form for the Sweden winger. Daizen Maeda and Ritsu Doan combined superbly for Japan’s goal, while Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres gave Sweden a powerful presence in attack. Japan’s Zion Suzuki also earned his keep with a handful of important saves as the game opened up after the break.
Japan Starting XI
- GK: Zion Suzuki
- Defenders: Hiroki Ito, Ko Itakura, Ayumu Seko
- Midfielders: Yukinari Sugawara, Ao Tanaka, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura
- Forwards: Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda
Japan lined up in a 3-4-2-1, with wing-backs Yukinari Sugawara and Keito Nakamura providing width and Ao Tanaka and Daichi Kamada controlling central midfield. Ritsu Doan and Daizen Maeda operated behind lone striker Ayase Ueda, and it was that trio’s sharp combination play that produced the game’s opening goal.
Sweden Starting XI
- GK: Jacob Widell Zetterström
- Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Isak Hien, Gustaf Lagerbielke
- Midfielders: Elliot Stroud, Yasin Ayari, Victor Lindelöf, Alexander Bernhardsson
- Forwards: Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Anthony Elanga
Graham Potter set Sweden up in a 3-4-3 and placed his trust in youth, naming the youngest starting XI in the nation’s World Cup history at an average age of 26 years and 273 days. The front three of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga carried a serious goal threat, and it was Elanga who delivered the moment that secured Sweden’s progress.
What does this result mean for the Group F standings in the World Cup 2026?
The draw confirmed Japan as Group F runners-up on five points, behind winners the Netherlands. Sweden finished third on four points, a total that proved enough to claim one of the eight best third-placed berths, while Tunisia ended bottom and was eliminated.
| Pos | Team | Played | Points | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 3 | 7 | +6 |
| 2 | Japan | 3 | 5 | +4 |
| 3 | Sweden | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | Tunisia | 3 | 0 | -10 |
Three of Group F’s four teams reached the knockout rounds, with only Tunisia missing out. The point shared in Dallas ensured both Japan and Sweden joined the Netherlands in the last 32.
What are the upcoming fixtures for both teams after this match?
Japan progressed to the Round of 32, where they were set to meet five-time world champions Brazil, a daunting but exciting test of how far Moriyasu’s side can go. As group runners-up, Japan will take confidence from a group campaign in which they conceded sparingly and matched strong opposition.
Sweden also advanced to the last 32, their knockout opponent confirmed once the remaining groups concluded and the best third-placed pairings were finalised. For Graham Potter’s youthful squad, simply reaching the knockout stage represented a significant step, and Elanga’s growing influence gives them a genuine attacking spark heading into the tie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored in Japan vs Sweden?
Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead in the 56th minute, assisted by Ritsu Doan, and Anthony Elanga equalised for Sweden in the 62nd minute with a curled left-footed finish.
Did both Japan and Sweden qualify for the knockout stage?
Yes. The 1-1 draw sent Japan through as Group F runners-up and Sweden through as one of the eight best third-placed teams, so both nations reached the Round of 32.
Why was Sweden’s starting line-up notable?
Graham Potter named the youngest starting XI in Sweden’s World Cup history for this match, with an average age of 26 years and 273 days.
Who did Japan face in the Round of 32?
Japan’s second-place finish in Group F set up a Round of 32 meeting with Brazil, the five-time world champions and winners of Group C.
