Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden on Thursday (Friday morning, Japan time), making sure of second place in Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and setting up a tantalising Round of 32 clash against Brazil.
Daizen Maeda rounded off a slick passing move to give the Samurai Blue the lead early in the second half at Dallas Stadium, but Anthony Elanga equalised shortly afterwards to ensure the spoils were shared.
Maeda, previously of J.LEAGUE side Yokohama F･Marinos, was the first to threaten when he sent a header off target in the 21st minute, and ex-Nagoya Grampus full-back Yukinari Sugawara then fired an effort from distance at Sweden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom five minutes before half time.
Former Gamba Osaka man Keito Nakamura drew another fine save from Widell Zetterstrom in the last minute of the first period, and eight minutes after the restart Daichi Kamada called Widell Zetterstrom into action once more - although the effort wouldn’t have counted as the former Sagan Tosu forward was offside.
Japan were celebrating shortly afterwards though, as another G-Osaka alum, Ritsu Doan, fed a crisp ball into Maeda, who had timed his run to perfection and made no mistake from close range in the 56th minute.
Sweden also needed a point to make sure of a place in the knockout stage though, and just six minutes later Elanga carved in from the right flank and whipped a terrific strike into the far side of the net to restore parity.
Samurai Blue goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who started his career at Urawa Reds, made an impressive save to deny Alexander Isak three minutes later, and with 15 minutes remaining FC TOKYO defender Yuto Nagatomo created history as he was substituted on to become the first Asian player to appear at five World Cups.
Another substitute, former Yokohama FC striker Koki Ogawa, couldn’t quite make a clean connection from a cross with seven minutes remaining, and the last action came in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Suzuki again denied Isak, this time from a header at a corner, to ensure the game ended all square.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side will now travel to Houston, where they will take on five-time champions Brazil on Monday (Tuesday morning, Japan time).
