Japan vs Sweden World Cup 2026: Maeda and Elanga Trade Goals in a Tense 1-1 Draw

Updated 25 June 2026.

Japan vs Sweden shared a tense 1-1 draw at AT&T Stadium, Arlington on June 25, 2026. Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead in the 56th minute but Anthony Elanga equalised for Sweden six minutes later. The point was enough for Japan to finish second in Group F and advance to the Round of 32, while Sweden’s tournament ends in third place despite matching Japan’s points total on the night.

Japan vs Sweden World Cup 2026 Result: A Draw That Suited Japan More

Japan vs Sweden World Cup 2026 was a classic final-matchday game where both teams needed something and neither could quite get the better of the other. Japan came in knowing a draw would be enough. Sweden needed a win.

The first half was cautious and tight, with both sides reluctant to commit too many players forward. The pace increased after the break. Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, meeting a pinpoint pass from Ritsu Doan and finishing calmly past the goalkeeper. Japan were on course for top spot in Group F.

Sweden responded quickly. Anthony Elanga equalised in the 62nd minute with a composed finish, silencing the Japan end of AT&T Stadium. From that point the match opened up, but neither side could find a winner. The final whistle left Japan satisfied and Sweden frustrated.

Japan Advance as Group F Runners-Up

Japan finish Group F in second place with five points. Their group stage record is one win (4-0 over Tunisia), one draw (2-2 with Netherlands), and this draw with Sweden. A consistent, organised campaign that reflects the quality of Hajime Moriyasu’s squad.

Japan have been one of the better defensive units in the tournament and have shown an ability to hurt opponents on the counter-attack. Maeda’s goal here was the latest example of the off-the-ball running and clinical finishing that has made them a threat from set moves and transitions.

The World Cup 2026 complete guide has the full bracket and knockout draw as it forms.

Sweden Exit Despite Matching Japan’s Points

Sweden end the tournament in third place in Group F with four points. They drew with Netherlands on Matchday 1, then beat Tunisia 5-1 before this draw with Japan. The 5-1 win over Tunisia gave them genuine hope of progressing, but the result against Netherlands on the opening day, combined with their Matchday 2 win over Tunisia rather than Japan, ultimately put them behind Japan on head-to-head.

The Dutch’s 5-1 win over Sweden on Matchday 2 was the defining blow to their hopes. Sweden never recovered that goal difference and could not manufacture the win they needed here. They showed quality throughout, particularly in attack, but the competition for second place in this group was tight throughout.

Group F Final Standings

Netherlands top Group F with seven points after a 3-1 win over Tunisia in the other Matchday 3 fixture. Japan are second on five points. Sweden finish third on four points and are out. Tunisia are eliminated with zero points from three games. The group standings tracker has the full table.

Japan vs Sweden World Cup 2026: FAQ

What was the result of Japan vs Sweden at World Cup 2026?

Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington on June 25, 2026. Daizen Maeda scored for Japan in the 56th minute and Anthony Elanga equalised for Sweden in the 62nd minute.

Did Japan qualify from Group F at World Cup 2026?

Yes. Japan finished second in Group F with five points and advance to the Round of 32. The 1-1 draw with Sweden was enough to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

Is Sweden eliminated from World Cup 2026?

Yes. Sweden finished third in Group F with four points. Despite drawing with Japan on the final matchday they could not overtake them on the tiebreaker and are out of the tournament.

Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F and ESPN match report.