Sweden Secure World Cup 2026 Last 32 Spot After Dallas Draw
Sweden have secured their place in the last 32 of the World Cup 2026 following a draw in Dallas that served all teams involved, capping a group campaign that had threatened to unravel.
Sweden
Japan and Sweden seal last-32 spots after Dallas draw
Daizen Maeda and Anthony Elanga scored as Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in Dallas to secure qualification for the World Cup Round of 32 from Group F.
Japan 1-1 Sweden Analysis: Maeda’s Move, Elanga’s Answer and Two Very Different Routes to the Knockouts
Japan and Sweden played to a 1-1 draw in their final Group F fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that secured Round of 32 qualification for both teams under the expanded 48-team format. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring in the 56th minute with a finish from a coordinated Japanese attacking move, only for Anthony Elanga to equalise six minutes later by exploiting his pace against the backline. The point left Japan in second place with five points and a plus-four goal difference, setting up a Round of 32 meeting with Brazil, while Sweden finished third with four points and a plus-one goal difference to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.