2026 World Cup: Japan and Sweden progress with draw - but tough ties await
Anthony Elanga scored a second-half stunner to secure a last-32 spot for Sweden as they came from behind to earn a point against Japan.
Graham Potter's side sit on four points - in third place in Group F - which will be enough to send them through, where they will play one of France, Norway, Germany or Switzerland.
Japan finish second behind the Netherlands - who comfortably beat Tunisia - and will face five-time World Cup winners Brazil in the last 32.
Celtic's Daizen Maeda put Japan into the lead in the 56th minute following a lovely move, with Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan playing a one-two before the latter teed up the goalscorer.
The first half had been quiet, with both teams seemingly content with a goalless draw as the game lacked energy.
But that changed after the break and, within six minutes of Japan's goal, Elanga levelled the game for Sweden.
The Newcastle United winger - making his first start of this World Cup - stepped in from the left before firing a powerful strike from the angle of the box past Japan keeper Zion Suzuki, who appeared to see the ball late and could not keep it out.