Japan and Sweden drew and qualified for the 2026 World Cup play-offs
The Japan and Sweden national teams drew in their third-round Group F match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, USA, ended 1–1.
The first half ended goalless. After the break, the Japanese side were the first to break the deadlock.
In the 56th minute, Daizen Maeda fired a precise shot into the far corner following a pass from Ritsu Doan, putting Japan ahead.
However, Japan’s lead was short-lived. As early as the 62nd minute, Sweden equalised. Anthony Elanga received a pass from Viktor Djokeres on the right flank and sent the ball into the bottom left corner with a long-range shot.
In the other Group F match, the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3–1.
At the end of the group stage, the Netherlands finished top of the group with 7 points. Japan picked up 5 points and progressed to the round of 32 in second place.
Sweden, with 4 points, will continue in the tournament as one of the best third-placed teams. Tunisia, having failed to pick up a single point, have been eliminated from the World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup is being held in the USA, Mexico and Canada and will run until 19 July. For the first time, 48 national teams are taking part in the tournament. The top two teams from each group, as well as the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stages.
