Maeda, Elanga goals send Japan and Sweden into World Cup knockouts

Japan and Sweden booked their places in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after battling to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium on Friday morning.

With qualification still hanging in the balance, both sides approached the Group F encounter cautiously in a first half that produced few clear-cut opportunities.

The Blue Samura, who entered the match on the back of an impressive 4-0 victory over Tunisia, enjoyed more possession and looked the more threatening side, while Sweden relied on the attacking talents of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Anthony Elanga to create openings.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute through a moment of Japanese brilliance.

Captain Ritsu Doan produced a perfectly weighted through ball that split the Swedish defence, allowing Daizen Maeda to race clear and calmly slot past goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström.

The goal was a reward for Japan’s patient build-up play and gave Hajime Moriyasu’s men a deserved lead.

However, Sweden responded just six minutes later.

Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga, who has been one of Sweden’s standout performers throughout the tournament, delivered a dangerous left-footed ball into the area that evaded everyone, including goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, before nestling into the far corner.

The equaliser revitalised the Scandinavian side and set up an entertaining final half-hour.

Sweden pushed hard for a winner that could have lifted them above Japan in the group standings.

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak came closest, forcing two excellent saves from Suzuki, who redeemed himself after being caught out by Elanga’s goal.

Japan also had opportunities of their own, with substitute Koki Ogawa firing over from a promising position late on.

In the end, the draw suited both nations. Japan secured second place in Group F and progressed to the Round of 32, where they face five-time world champions Brazil in one of the most anticipated ties of the next round.

Sweden, meanwhile, advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and are set for a difficult showdown against France.

Japan continue to build on their growing reputation as one of Asia’s strongest football nations.

The Samurai Blue have reached the Round of 16 on four previous occasions (2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022) and remain determined to break new ground by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu, who guided Japan to memorable victories over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, has once again assembled a disciplined and exciting squad.

Sweden, managed by former Chelsea and Brighton coach Graham Potter, are seeking to recreate the success of their 2018 World Cup campaign, when they reached the quarter-finals.

The Scandinavian nation famously finished runners-up at the 1958 World Cup and secured third place in 1950 and 1994.

Potter’s side have shown resilience throughout the tournament and will believe they can challenge any opponent as the knockout stage begins.

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