Japan and Sweden have both advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup 2026 after a draw in their final Group F match. The game, played at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, saw both teams score in the second half.
The first half of the match was largely uneventful, with Graham Potter and Hajime Moriyasu, the respective managers, potentially content with the outcome. However, the second half brought two notable goals. Daizen Maeda scored for Japan, which was then quickly equalised by Anthony Elanga‘s long-range strike for Sweden.
Elanga’s goal was described as a brilliant left-foot curler into the far corner, with the goalkeeper Suzuki reacting late. Maeda’s goal for Japan involved a well-timed run and a finish past Widell Zetterstrom.
Group F Outcomes and Knockout Stage Pairings
The draw ensured Japan secured the runners-up spot in Group F. They are now set to face Brazil in Houston on Monday. For Sweden, the point was sufficient to navigate the various permutations for third-placed teams in the round of 32. Their potential opponents include France or Norway.
In another Group F match, the Netherlands secured a victory over Tunisia, winning 3-1. This result confirmed the Netherlands as the top team in Group F, allowing them to avoid Brazil in the last 32. The Netherlands will instead play Morocco in Monterrey.
The Netherlands’ journey has involved playing games in Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City. Their specially converted bus now faces a journey of over 1,000 miles to Monterrey for their upcoming match.
Player Performances and Match Details
Sweden’s manager, Graham Potter, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to manage fine margins after a fluctuating start to the tournament. He also praised Anthony Elanga, noting his contributions both on and off the pitch, and his two goals.
Elanga was a significant threat for Sweden, creating opportunities throughout the match. In the 90+3 minute, he nearly scored again with a shot across goal, which Suzuki pushed away. Earlier, in the 89th minute, Ayari delivered a corner that Isak headed towards goal, but Suzuki made a crucial save, pushing the ball onto the bar.
Japan also had moments of pressure, particularly at the end of the first half. Nakamura had a shot towards the far corner that Widell Zetterstrom saved. In the 39th minute, Japan made a substitution, with Shogo Taniguchi replacing Ko Itakura, who appeared to have an injury.
The World Cup 2026 tournament began on June 11 and is scheduled to conclude on July 19. It is being co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 participating nations and a total of 104 games.
The group stage, where each team plays three matches, runs until June 27. The knockout stage will commence on June 28 with the first-ever round of 32 in a FIFA World Cup.
Japan entered the match with four points, needing a draw or a win to guarantee progression. Sweden, with three points, required a victory to ensure their fate was not dependent on other results. Japan had previously drawn 2-2 with the Netherlands and defeated Tunisia 4-0, becoming the first Asian country to score four goals in a World Cup match without receiving a yellow card. Sweden had lost 5-1 to the Netherlands but bounced back with a 5-1 win against Tunisia.
The semi-finals are scheduled for July 14 and July 15, followed by the third-place playoff on July 18, and the final on July 19.
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Source: theguardian.com