Japan Qualifies for 2026 World Cup Round of 32 After Holding Sweden
DALLAS – Headline24.id – Japan's national team secured their spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Sweden in their final Group F match on Friday (26/6/2026). The additional point was enough to see the Samurai Blue finish as group runners-up with five points.
Sweden also advanced to the knockout stage. Despite finishing in third place with four points, the European representative secured a ticket through the best third-placed team pathway.
Japan's goal was scored by Daizen Kamada, while Sweden equalized through Anthony Elanga.
First Half Was Tight
Since the kick-off whistle at Dallas Stadium, both teams played cautiously. Japan and Sweden largely controlled the midfield, resulting in few dangerous chances.
Sweden threatened in the sixth minute with a shot from Bernhardsson from outside the penalty box. However, Japan's goalkeeper Zion Suzuki managed to save the ball well.
Entering the middle of the first half, the match tempo remained balanced. Both teams struggled to break down the opponent's defense, leading to a scarcity of clear opportunities.
Sweden had to lose Isak Hien due to injury in the 35th minute. Coach Graham Potter brought on Lucas Bergvall as a replacement.
Towards halftime, Japan began to increase the intensity of their attacks. Shots from Sugawara and a chance from Nakamura were still saved by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom. Until the first half ended, the score remained 0-0.
Japan Takes the Lead, Sweden Quickly Responds
According to Headline24.id's observation, Japan immediately played more aggressively after the break.
The result was seen in the 55th minute. Starting from a through ball from Ritsu Doan, Daizen Kamada successfully capitalized on an opportunity inside the penalty box to beat Zetterstrom and give Japan a 1-0 lead.
However, the lead only lasted for six minutes. Anthony Elanga unleashed a curling shot from outside the penalty box that Zion Suzuki couldn't reach. The goal brought the score back to a 1-1 draw.
After the scores were level again, the match became more open. Both teams pressed each other to score the winning goal, which would also increase their chances of advancing with a better position.
Zion Suzuki Becomes Japan's Savior
In injury time, Sweden nearly scored the winning goal through Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak. However, Zion Suzuki performed brilliantly with two crucial saves that kept the score at 1-1 until the match ended.
The draw confirmed Japan's qualification as Group F runner-up with five points. Meanwhile, Sweden still earned a spot in the Round of 32 through the best third-placed team pathway after collecting four points.
Japan vs Sweden Statistics
- Score: Japan 1-1 Sweden
- Goalscorers: Daizen Kamada (Japan), Anthony Elanga (Sweden)
- Total shots: 8-10
- Shots on target: 3-5
- Ball possession: 51%-49%
- Fouls: 19-11
- Offsides: 3-2
Lineups
Japan (3-4-3)
Suzuki; Ito, Itakura, Seko; Nakamura, Tanaka, Kamada, Sugawara; Maeda, Ueda, Doan.
Coach: Hajime Moriyasu.
Sweden (3-4-1-2)
Zetterstrom; Lindelof, Hien, Lagerbielke; Gudmundsson, Ayari, Stroud, Bernhardsson; Elanga; Isak, Gyokeres.
Coach: Graham Potter.
