Japan and Sweden secure World Cup knockout berths after draw
Japan and Sweden have both advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup 2026 following a 1-1 draw at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The result means Japan finished second in Group F with five points, while Sweden secured third place with four points. Both teams will now prepare for the round of 32.
The first half of the match hinted at a draw, with neither side creating many clear-cut opportunities. However, the second half saw an increase in intensity and goals, ensuring both nations progressed to the next stage of the tournament.
Second-half goals secure progression
Japan broke the deadlock ten minutes after half-time when Daizen Maeda scored following intricate play around the Sweden penalty area. This goal put Japan in a strong position, but their lead was short-lived.
Just seven minutes later, Anthony Elanga of Newcastle equalised for Sweden with a curled left-footed shot. This stunning goal marked his second in two World Cup matches and was a crucial moment for Graham Potter’s side, easing any concerns about their elimination.
Elanga’s goal was a significant one, with his curling shot travelling a distance of 28.9 meters. This makes it the second-longest goal scored by a Swedish player at the World Cup since 1966, surpassed only by Anders Svensson’s 30.2-meter strike in 2002. He also became the first Swedish player since Martin Dahlin and Kenneth Andersson in 1994 to score in consecutive World Cup matches.
Sweden has demonstrated a proficiency from long range in this tournament, having scored four goals from outside the box in the 2026 World Cup. This achievement ties the all-time record for the most goals from this range in a group stage, a record previously set by Brazil in 2006.
Despite the equaliser, Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several key saves throughout the match, including denying Alexander Isak and Elanga in stoppage time. Isak also hit the bar from a resulting corner, as Sweden continued to press for a winner.
Looking ahead to the knockout stage
With their progression confirmed, Japan is set to face Brazil in the round of 32. This match will take place in Houston, Texas, on Monday, June 29, with a kick-off scheduled for 6pm.
Sweden, having finished as a third-placed team, could face a variety of opponents. Their next match is most likely to be against the Group I winners, which could be either France or Norway. This round of 32 game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, in New Jersey, New York, with a 10pm kick-off.
In the other Group F match, the Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1. The Netherlands will now play Morocco in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Tuesday, June 30.
Graham Potter, Sweden’s head coach, praised his team’s resilience, stating, “Credit to the players, they stood up as they always have done. They have been so honest and so great in that regard. We played against another tough team, it was a tough game.” He also expressed delight for Anthony Elanga’s performance, highlighting his two goals.
Yuto Nagatomo, at 39 years old, made his fifth World Cup appearance for Japan, becoming the first Asian player to feature in five tournaments for his country.
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Source: skysports.com
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
