Japan drew Sweden 1-1 in their final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup and that was enough to see both of them qualify for the Round of 32. Japan's second place finish means they will take on Brazil in R32, while group winners Netherlands will face Morocco.
That is because in the simultaneous kickoff, Netherlands sealed the top with a 3-1 win over hapless Tunisia.
Daizen Maeda started the scoring in the second half, after a dull first half from both sides, with a gorgeous team goal as he slotted home after a lovely assist from Ritsu Doan. That seemed to up the ante in the game and Japan seemed to be going for a big win, but inside six minutes Anthony Elanga hit back with an absolute stunning solo effort, curling one from the right corner of the box into the bottom far corner.