FIFA World Cup 2026 – Goals from Maeda and Elanga help Japan and Sweden reach the round of 16

Long after the final whistle, Japanese fans, under five Super Bowl championship banners honoring the Dallas Cowboys, were still working to clear the stands in a ritual that has become as much a part of World Cups as football.

Their team was also just as neat on the field, as a disciplined 1-1 draw was good enough to secure a place in the knockouts.

Daizen Maeda, brought into the side ahead of Junya Ito, showed his zeal early on, winning the ball in midfield before driving forward with a dazzling run. Only a last-ditch tackle from Gabriel Gudmundsson in the box stopped the Japanese midfielder’s attack.

With one eye on the other Group F match in Kansas, where the Netherlands compounded Tunisia’s misery with a 3-1 win, Japan were happy to cede possession and rely on quick feet and sharp movements to catch the Swedish defense on the counter. Maeda came close again in the 22nd minute, but failed to direct his header after Hiroki Ito delivered a measured outswinging cross.

With the tie serving the interests of both sides, the game went into a lull as the half progressed after recharging the hydration. It seemed that the sips of energy drink caused more heaviness than haste, making the legs lethargic instead of restoring their strength.

But just as the half lurched towards the interval, Maeda revived it. He exchanged a neat one-two with Keito Nakamura, who curled an effort past the rebounding Victor Lindelof. Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was favored in goal after Kristoffer Nordfeldt’s five-goal ordeal against the Netherlands, reacted sharply and knocked the shot away.

As the first-half whistle approached, there was a sudden flurry of activity as Viktor Gyokeres’ effort was deflected for a corner at the other end.

Maeda was finally rewarded in the 56th minute, when he met Ritsu Doan’s pass for Alexander Bernhardsson before placing his finish into the corner, past Zetterstrom.

Sweden’s response was almost immediate as Anthony Elanga ripped a left-footed curling effort from outside the penalty area into the far corner of Zion Suzuki’s goal. The brilliance reduced the Japanese goalkeeper, who reacted a little late, to a helpless spectator.

However, Suzuki had his own moment shortly afterwards, producing a sharp save to keep out Alexander Isak. He was there again to deny Elanga and then Isak in quick succession during stoppage time.

At the final whistle, both sides looked relieved to have achieved what they set out to do.

Japan finished with their unbeaten record intact, while Sweden recovered from the Dutch bruises, sending both countries safely into the last 32 of the competition.

Published on June 26, 2026