Japan and Sweden Draw to Secure Knockout Stage Berths

In a match held Friday morning at the Dallas Stadium in the United States, Japan and Sweden played to a 1–1 draw, with both teams advancing to the knockout stage. Kathmandu, 11 Ashad – The draw was sufficient for Japan and Sweden to qualify for the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Japan took the lead in the 56th minute through a goal by Daizen Maeda. However, within six minutes, Sweden equalized when Anthony Elanga scored to level the match. Japan advanced to the knockout stage as the runner-up of Group F with 5 points, while Sweden, finishing third with 4 points, progressed as one of the best eight third-placed teams.

The Netherlands topped the group with 7 points and secured their spot in the knockout phase, whereas Tunisia was eliminated without earning any points. The Netherlands will face Morocco, the runner-up from Group C, in the knockout round. This marks the third consecutive World Cup in which Japan has advanced to the knockout stage. Having made their World Cup debut in 1998, Japan has now qualified for the knockout rounds in 2018, 2022, and again this tournament.

Sweden reached the final in 1958 and made it to the quarterfinals in the 2018 World Cup. After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Sweden has returned to the knockout stage this time. The Netherlands, three-time runners-up, continue their streak of advancing beyond the group phase in consecutive tournaments.