Japan and Sweden draw to advance in World Cup knockout stage
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 1:29 AM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Japan and Sweden played to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night, securing advancement to the knockout stage of the World Cup. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring for Japan, but Anthony Elanga equalized for Sweden just six minutes later. Both teams earned crucial points in a competitive match that highlighted their resilience. The playoff positioning will now be finalized as teams prepare for the next round.
- •Daizen Maeda scores first for Japan.
- •Anthony Elanga equalizes for Sweden shortly after.
- •The match took place on June 26.
- •Both teams secure spots in the knockout round.
- 2:14 AMESPN Soccer — Japan book Brazil WC clash; Sweden also advance
- 1:45 AMBBC Sport — Japan and Sweden draw takes both into last 32
"Daizen Maeda's smart finish to Japan's team goal is cancelled out by Anthony Elanga's long-range strike as Sweden fight back in a 1-1 draw that takes both sides through to the World Cup knockout stages.
"Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took it away six minutes later, giving Sweden a 1-1 draw Thursday night that sent both teams to the knockout round of the World Cup.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 26, 2026, 2:14 AMJapan book Brazil WC clash; Sweden also advance
Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took it away six minutes later, giving Sweden a 1-1 draw Thursday night that sent both teams to the knockout round of the World Cup.
- BBC SportJun 26, 2026, 1:45 AMJapan and Sweden draw takes both into last 32
Daizen Maeda's smart finish to Japan's team goal is cancelled out by Anthony Elanga's long-range strike as Sweden fight back in a 1-1 draw that takes both sides through to the World Cup knockout stages.
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