Japan clinched a round‑of‑32 berth with a 1‑1 draw against Sweden on Thursday, setting up a meeting with five‑time champions Brazil in Houston on Monday. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead in the 56th minute before Sweden’s Anthony Elanga equalised six minutes later. The result left Japan second in Group F behind the Netherlands and ensured Sweden also progressed to the knockout round.

Maeda’s goal, a tidy finish after a Ritsu Doan pass, marked Japan’s seventh tournament tally – the most the nation has ever scored in a single World Cup, surpassing the six netted in Russia 2018. Sweden’s Elanga, who has three goals for Newcastle in 49 appearances, notched his second of the tournament, keeping the Swedes alive for a fifth knockout appearance.

Both sides missed late chances; Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki denied an injury‑time strike from Elanga and then smothered Alexander Isak’s header off a corner. Japan now rides a third consecutive World Cup group‑stage exit and aims to become the first Asian side to defeat Brazil at this stage. Sweden joins a quartet of nations with four straight knockout qualifications since 1994.