Japan Set Up Brazil Showdown In Round Of 32 After Hard-Fought Draw Against Sweden

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 07:14 IST

Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden to finish second in Group F and book a Round of 32 clash with Brazil, while Sweden also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

Japan booked a blockbuster Round of 32 clash with Brazil after battling to a 1-1 draw against Sweden on Thursday, finishing second in a fiercely contested Group F behind the Netherlands.

In front of nearly 70,000 fans in Arlington, Texas, a cagey first half gave way to an entertaining second period. Japan struck first in the 56th minute when Ritsu Doan threaded a superb pass through to Daizen Maeda, who calmly rounded goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before slotting home.

Sweden responded just six minutes later through Anthony Elanga. The Newcastle United winger cut inside from the right and unleashed a left-footed strike from outside the box that beat Zion Suzuki to level the scores.

The draw was enough for Japan to secure second place on five points after the Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1 to top the group with seven. Sweden finished third on four points and also progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, while Tunisia exited without a point.

Late Swedish Pressure

Japan controlled possession for long spells, with Keito Nakamura forcing an excellent first-half save from Zetterstrom, while Ao Tanaka also went close shortly after the restart.

However, Sweden finished the stronger side. Alexander Isak and Elanga both came agonisingly close to snatching a winner in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced two crucial saves to preserve the draw.

The result means Hajime Moriyasu’s side now face tournament favourites Brazil in Houston, while Group F winners Netherlands will meet Morocco in Monterrey. Sweden, meanwhile, advance to the knockout stage and are set to face France.

Japan may have missed out on top spot, but they remain unbeaten in the group stage and now prepare for arguably the biggest test of their World Cup campaign.

(with AFP inputs)

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Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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