World Cup 2026: Japan 1-1 Sweden - Anthony Elanga scores stunning curled finish to earn Graham Potter's side spot in knockouts as third-placed team
Match report as Japan and Sweden both qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds with a draw; Daizen Maeda put Japan in front 10 minutes after half-time; Anthony Elanga equalised with a stunning curled finish; Graham Potter's side are assured of a third-placed finish
Friday 26 June 2026 03:01, UK
Anthony Elanga's stunning equaliser booked Sweden's spot in the World Cup knockout stages after a 1-1 draw with Japan, who also go through as the second-placed team in Group F.
A draw suited both teams in terms of round of 32 qualification and a dull first half hinted both teams would settle for that outcome. But the second half exploded into life.
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Ten minutes after half-time, Daizen Maeda slid Japan in front after some lovely football on the edge of the Sweden penalty area.
But seven minutes later, Newcastle winger Elanga curled in a glorious left-footed shot for his second goal in two World Cup matches.
Minutes later, Alexander Isak nearly turned the game on its head but his low effort was kept out by Zion Suzuki, who then kept out Elanga in stoppage time. Isak then struck the bar from the resulting corner as Graham Potter's side improved as the game went on.
The result sees all three teams with points qualify from Group F, while it is another blow to Scotland. Only a four-goal win for Japan could have boosted their qualification chances as a third-placed team. That scenario was never likely.
Who will each team face in the round of 32?
Netherlands vs Morocco in Guadalupe, Mexico on Tuesday June 30, kick-off 2am.
Brazil vs Japan in Houston, Texas on Monday June 29, kick-off at 6pm.
Sweden could face any of Germany, the Group I winners, Mexico, USA or Switzerland - depending on which other third-placed teams qualify.
However, their opponents are most likely to be the Group I winners, which will be one of France or Norway. That round of 32 game will take place on Tuesday June 30 in New Jersey, New York, kick-off 10pm.
The key moments from Dallas...
- 22: Maeda heads over the best chance of the first half, but Japan take 40 minutes to have shot on target despite being the better team.
- 45+1: Jacob Zetterstrom makes a good save to deny Keito Nakamura from inside the penalty area, turning the ball around the corner.
- 55: GOAL! Maeda slides in from inside the box after intricate play around the penalty box from Japan.
- 62: GOAL! Elanga bends in a glorious solo run and finish to ease Sweden's elimination fears.
- 65: Isak nearly turns the game on its head but is kept out by Suzuki.
- 83: Kogi Ogawa scoops over a good chance for Japan from Daichi Kamada's cross.
- 90+3: Elanga drives into the box and is kept out by Suzuki. Isak then hits the bar from resulting corner.
Analysis: Sweden have met their target, but Isak and Gyokeres must do more
For Sweden, it's been an incredible turnaround. When they sacked Jon Dahl Tomasson last October after they sat bottom of their World Cup qualifying group, the tournament itself - let alone the knockout stages - seemed so far away.
But under Graham Potter, the ship has been steadied. But it's not sailing very convincingly.
Yes, they battered Tunisia in their opening game but everyone found the African side easy in Group F. In the two games where they've actually played decent sides, Sweden have looked unconvincing.
Whoever they face in the round of 32, Sweden need Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres firing. They haven't managed to do so in the last two games.
Against Japan, Gyokeres cut a frustrated figure - having one meaningless shot and getting booked as his hold-up play was not supported by the two forwards.
Isak looked a bit sharper, but his two big chances in the came game from one Japan mistake and one set piece.
Sweden do have an in-form player in Anthony Elanga, who now has two goals in two. His counter-attacking play will come in handy against the top-quality opposition, but can he have other around him?
What the result means...
Potter: Sweden stood up
Sweden head coach Graham Potter:
"Credit to the players, they stood up as they always have done. They have been so hoenst and so great in that regard. We played against another tough team, it was a tough game.
"Going a goal down, we stuck at it and delighted for Anthony because he's been amazing off the pitch - now he's got two goals."
