Japan and Sweden secure knockout stage berths after draw in World Cup Group F

By Sanjay Menon — 26 June 2026 — 3 min read

Japan and Sweden advance in World Cup 2026

Japan and Sweden have both secured their places in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup after playing to a 1-1 draw at AT&T Stadium in Texas. This result means both nations will progress from Group F.

Japan concluded their group stage campaign in second position with five points, while Sweden finished third with four points. In the other Group F match, the Netherlands defeated Tunisia by a score of 3-1.

Match details and key moments

The match saw both teams score a goal, resulting in the 1-1 draw. The second half proved to be more eventful than the first. Anthony Elanga scored for Sweden with a left-footed shot. Japan’s goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, made a significant save in the 94th minute, tipping away a header from Alexander Isak following a Sweden corner. Suzuki also palmed clear an angled shot from Elanga in the 93rd minute.

The game featured a hydration break, after which both managers made changes. For Sweden, Svensson and Sema came on, replacing Bernhardsson and Stroud. Japan brought on Nagatomo and Watanabe for Nakamura and Seko. Later, Ito and Ogawa were introduced for Japan, with Doan and Ueda making way.

Toward the end of the match, Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres received a yellow card after a challenge on Kamada. Japan’s Taniguchi also received a yellow card for a foul on Gyokeres. Sweden made further substitutions in the 89th minute, with Nygren and Starfelt entering the game for Gudmundsson and Lindelof.

Group F standings and future matchups

With the final results, the Netherlands secured the top spot in Group F and will proceed to play Morocco. Japan, finishing second, is set to face Brazil in the Round of 32. Sweden, advancing as a best third-placed team, will await the determination of their next opponent.

Before the match, Japan’s manager, Hajime Moriyasu, had expressed his team’s focus on defeating a strong Sweden side to potentially top Group F. He noted that if Japan achieved a better result than the Netherlands did against Tunisia, they would advance as group winners and avoid Brazil in the last 32. A draw was sufficient for Japan’s qualification. Moriyasu was also cautious of Sweden’s attacking threat, highlighting players like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

The match had a minimum of seven added minutes in Dallas. Japan’s manager for the match was Hajime Moriyasu, and Sweden’s manager was Graham Potter. The referee for the game was Iván Barton.

Match statistics

In terms of statistics, Japan and Sweden both recorded 8 shots, with 3 shots on target each. Japan had an overall possession of 54.5% compared to Sweden’s 45.5%. Japan’s expected goals (xG) stood at 1.3144, while Sweden’s was 0.3006. Both teams had 12 total touches inside the opposition box and their goalkeepers made 2 saves each. Japan won 14 aerial duels, slightly more than Sweden’s 11.

Japan committed 20 fouls and received 1 yellow card, while Sweden committed 11 fouls and received 2 yellow cards. Japan had 2 corners to Sweden’s 7. Japan completed 403 total passes with an accuracy of 85.1%, whereas Sweden completed 334 total passes with 77.8% accuracy. Japan also made 27 total clearances compared to Sweden’s 18.

The match concluded with both teams securing their progression to the next stage of the tournament.

Source: bbc.co.uk