Image: from Scrabbl X @ScrabbIit
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Japan and Sweden played out a 1,1 draw in Dallas, a result that suited both nations as they secured places in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Japan finished second in Group F to book a Round of 32 clash with Brazil, while Sweden progressed as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. The outcome also delayed Portugal’s automatic qualification, leaving the Portuguese waiting for mathematical confirmation.
The opening half was largely uneventful, with both sides appearing cautious and unwilling to take unnecessary risks. Long spells of possession produced few genuine chances as the teams focused on maintaining their defensive shape.
Sweden’s biggest setback before halftime came through injury when defender Isak Hien was forced off with a painful foot problem. Head coach Graham Potter responded by moving Victor Lindelöf into central defense to reorganize the back line.
Only in the first half stoppage time did the game finally come to life. Japan’s Keito Nakamura found space inside the penalty area but was denied by an excellent save from goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström. Sweden immediately responded through Viktor Gyökeres, whose powerful long-range effort failed to trouble Zion Suzuki.
The match changed dramatically after the interval.
Japan broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with the finest move of the evening. Ritsu Doan threaded a perfectly weighted pass between the Swedish central defenders, allowing Daizen Maeda to race through and finish confidently beyond Zetterström to give the Samurai Blue a deserved lead.
For a brief period, the goal virtually secured Portugal’s place in the Round of 32.
That situation lasted only six minutes.
Anthony Elanga collected possession on the right wing, cut inside onto his stronger foot, and curled a magnificent strike beyond Suzuki into the far corner. The superb equalizer restored Sweden’s qualification hopes and transformed the closing stages into an entertaining contest.
Buoyed by the goal, Sweden pushed harder for victory. Alexander Isak forced Suzuki into an excellent save from distance, while Elanga tested the Japanese goalkeeper again during stoppage time.
The closest either side came to winning the match arrived with virtually the final action. Isak rose highest from a corner but watched his powerful header crash against the crossbar, allowing Japan to escape with the point both teams ultimately needed.
The draw confirmed Japan as runners-up in Group F. They will now face five-time world champions Brazil in the Round of 32.
Sweden also celebrated qualification after finishing among the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams, while the Netherlands secured top spot in the group following a 3,1 victory over Tunisia and will meet Morocco in the knockout phase.
Japan’s goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, was named the standout performer after producing several crucial saves to deny both Isak and Elanga before receiving late assistance from the crossbar in preserving the valuable draw.