Japan and Sweden both progressed from Group F of the World Cup after playing out a draw in Dallas.Celtic striker Daizen Maeda turned Japan ahead but Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga then hit a fine goal to put Sweden on to four points and a place in the last 32.Japan will now play Brazil in Houston, with Sweden having to wait to learn their opponents for sure after finishing third but forecast to play France.Both sides knew they would qualify with a draw and that led to a perhaps understandably tame first half.But Japan were the better side and took the lead when Maeda provided the final touch to a cracking move.But Sweden, who were flat for large periopds again, found a moment of class from Elanga to take the point they needed.Japan went unbeaten through the group stage for just the second time, previously doing so in 2002 when they were co-hosts.Keito Nakamura had the moment of the first 45 minutes when he bent in a shot that needed a fine save from Jacob Zetterstrom.Sweden boss Graham Potter had an expensively-assembled Premier League attack of Alexander Isak, Elanga and Viktor Gyokeres on display but they managed to create nothing of note in the opening half.In total, 61% of Japans goals in World Cups have been scored in the second half and Maeda soon produced another one. It was deserved and delightful as Ritsu Doan sliced Sweden open with a fine pass, Maeda took a touch and glided the ball into the far corner.That seemed to belatedly wake Sweden up and Elanga produced a wonderful solo goal to cut inside and curl home a powerful strike from range.With the Netherlands winning the group both sides seemed content to follow them into the last 32. Topics Japan National Football Team Sweden National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Japan v Sweden: Teams confirmed for crunch match Tom Rostance 25th June, 2026 Japan v Sweden: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 25th June, 2026 Japan cruise past Tunisia after Moriyasu masterclass Jon Fisher 21st June, 2026 LIVE Netherlands v Sweden: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 19th June, 2026 Tunisia v Japan: Preview, predicted line-ups and where to watch Nicholas McGee 19th June, 2026 Netherlands v Sweden: Preview, predicted line-ups and where to watch Jon Fisher 19th June, 2026
