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.

The pace in the game fizzled out somewhat following the second-half hydration break but Elanga and Alexander Isak did force two good saves from Suzuki in stoppage time as Japan held on to their second place in the group.