World Cup: Japan, Sweden draw to advance; Netherlands beat Tunisia

Japan and Sweden secured their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a 1-1 draw in their final Group F match. The teams battled through a scoreless first half before Japan took the lead in the 56th minute with a close-range finish from Daizen Maeda, assisted by Ritsu Doan. Sweden quickly responded six minutes later, with Anthony Elanga equalizing in the 62nd minute following a pass from Viktor Gyökeres. Despite efforts from both sides to find a winner, the match concluded in a stalemate, a result sufficient for both nations to advance.

Japan is slated to face Brazil in the next round, while Sweden awaits the outcome of other group matches to determine its opponent. The draw means both teams will continue their World Cup journey, having navigated the group stage successfully.

In the other Group F fixture, the Netherlands comfortably defeated Tunisia 3-1. The Dutch took an early lead in the third minute due to an own goal by Ellyes Skhiri and extended their advantage four minutes later with a goal from Brian Brobbey, assisted by Virgil van Dijk. Tunisia managed to pull one back in the 54th minute through Houssem Mastouri, but the Netherlands sealed their victory with a goal from Jan Paul van Hecke in the 63rd minute. This win ensured the Netherlands' progression, while Tunisia finished at the bottom of the group with no points, marking their exit from the tournament.