Daizen Maeda’s brilliant team move was cancelled out by Anthony Elanga’s curling equaliser as both sides secured qualification to the Round of 32
Japan and Sweden both advanced to the World Cup Round of 32 after playing out a thrilling 1-1 draw at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with both sides securing the points they needed to guarantee qualification.
Japan broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a dazzling team move. Ritsu Dōan traded crisp passes with Ayase Ueda before sliding a lethal angled ball across the penalty area. Daizen Maeda timed his run perfectly to touch it past Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström.
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
Sweden hit right back through individual brilliance in the 62nd minute. Viktor Gyökeres spotted Anthony Elanga floating on the edge of the box, and Elanga cut inside onto his weaker foot to hit a stunning curled effort into the top right-hand corner.
Sweden came inches away from winning the game in stoppage time when Alexander Isak connected with a clever near-post flick, but his effort crashed directly off the crossbar.
Japan finished with eight shots, three on target, while Sweden managed 10 shots, five on target. Japanese passing accuracy stood at 88 percent compared to Sweden’s 81 percent.
Both teams were forced into tactical changes before halftime as Sweden centre-back Isak Hien and Japan defensive rock Kō Itakura both pulled up with muscular strains.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, with the Netherlands simultaneously defeating Tunisia 3-1, Japan finishes second in Group F and will face Group C leaders Brazil in the Round of 32 on Monday, June 29, at Houston Stadium. Sweden safely progresses as one of the best third-placed teams.
———————————————————————————-
Before Kickoff
Venue and Kickoff Time
-
- Stadium: AT&T Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
- Kickoff: 23:00 GMT
⚽ Pre-Match Analysis
📋 Predicted Lineups
-
- Japan Starting XI: Suzuki; Sugawara, Itakura, Taniguchi, H. Ito; Endo, Morita; Kubo, Minamino, Mitoma; Ueda.
- Sweden Starting XI: Olsen; Krafth, Hien, Lindelöf, Augustinsson; Cajuste, Salétros; Kulusevski, Isak, Elanga; Gyökeres.
📊 Match Facts and Head-to-Head (H2H)
- H2H Record: Sweden eliminated Japan during the quarter-finals of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics tournament.
- Key Fact: A single draw guarantees Japan a spot in the Round of 32, whereas Sweden requires a clear multi-goal victory.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 26, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
🏟️ Discover More Sports Stories
Looking for more in-depth sports news, interviews, and features? Visit Accra Sports News — your go-to for exclusive sports content in Ghana and beyond.
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
