Japan vs sweden World Cup 2026
Anthony Elanga’s stunning equaliser booked Sweden’s spot in the World Cup knockout stages after a 1-1 draw with Japan, who also go through as the second-placed team in Group F.
A draw suited both teams in terms of qualification and a dull first half hinted both teams would settle for that outcome. But the second half exploded into life.
Ten minutes after half-time, Daizen Maeda slid Japan in front after some lovely football on the edge of the Sweden penalty area.
But seven minutes later, Newcastle winger Elanga curled in a glorious left-footed shot for his second goal in two World Cup matches.
Minutes later, Alexander Isak nearly turned the game on its head but his low effort was kept out by Zion Suzuki, who then kept out Elanga in stoppage time. Isak then struck the bar from the resulting corner as Graham Potter’s side improved as the game went on.
The result sees all three teams with points qualify from Group F, while it is another blow to Scotland. Only a four-goal win for Japan could have boosted their qualification chances as a third-placed team. That scenario was never likely.
