Japan 1-1 Sweden Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Blue Samurai Weather The Bagult's Last Bite To Qualify As Runner-Up

Greetings, we are back with our FIFA World Cup 2026 live blog as Japan and Sweden face-off in the Group F finale. The action is about to begin, so stay tuned for all the live updates from Dallas Stadium.

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group Stage, Group F)

Date: June 25, 2026

Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM EDT / 4:30 AM IST (June 26)

Venue: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, Texas, USA

Referee: Iván Arcides Barton Cisneros from El Salvador

Assistant Referee 1: David Moran (El Salvador)

Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Pupiro (Nicaragua)

Fourth Official: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)

Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Nicolas Gallo (Colombia)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports network on television. For live streaming, one can catch the action on the Zee5 app and website.

Total Meetings: 5

Japan Won: 1

Sweden Won: 2

Draws: 2

Japan Goals Scored: 8

Sweden Goals Scored: 7

Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is finely poised heading into its final round of fixtures, with the Netherlands and Japan leading the way, level on points. The Netherlands are set to take on a Tunisian side that is already mathematically eliminated following two consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, Japan faces a high-stakes encounter against Sweden, who currently sit just one point behind the table-toppers. With progression to the Round of 32 on the line, the final matches carry significant weight, as Sweden fights to overcome their one-point deficit and bridge the gap to the leaders.

Zion Suzuki; Ayumu Seko, Ko Itakura, Hiroki Ito; Yukinari Sugawara, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura; Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, Daizen Maeda

SUBSTITUTES: Shogo Taniguchi, Yuto Nagatomo, Shuto Machino, Keisuke Goto, Keisuke Osako, Junya Ito, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Yuito Suzuki, Koki Ogawa, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Tomoki Hayakawa, Kaishu Sano, Junnosuke Suzuki, Kento Shiogai

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom; Gustaf Lagerbielke, Isak Hien, Victor Lindelof; Alexander Bernhardsson, Elliot Stroud, Yasin Ayari, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Anthony Elanga; Viktor Gyokers, Alexander Isak

SUBSTITUTES: Herman Johansson, Lucas Bergvall, Daniel Svensson, Benjamin Nygren, Viktor Johansson, Ken Sema, Hjalmar Ekdal, Carl Starfelt, Jesper Karlstrom, Mattias Svanberg, Eric Smith, Besfort Zeneli, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Gustaf Nilsson, Taha Ali

The match is underway in Dallas, and it has been a lively start from Sweden! They have immediately put Japan on the back foot by winning a pair of corners within the opening minutes. While the Asian side have successfully managed to clear their lines thus far, it has certainly been a positive and aggressive opening from the team in yellow and blue.

Daizen Maeda attempts to burst in behind the Swedish back line down the right flank, but just as he looks prepared to accelerate away, he loses his footing at the critical moment. Sweden capitalize instantly, with Alexander Bernhardsson driving into open space before cutting inside onto his left foot. He attempts to guide a shot toward the far corner, but the effort is routine for Zion Suzuki, who gathers the ball cleanly.

Ao Tanaka is in the thick of the action once again—and once more, it is for a foul in that bruising midfield battle. Yasin Ayari turns sharply away from him, and the Leeds United anchor catches far too much of his opponent for the referee to overlook the challenge.

The Netherlands are currently in total control against Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium, leading 2-0 early in the first half.

The Dutch got off to a flying start when an Ellyes Skhiri own goal put them ahead just three minutes into the match. Before Tunisia could settle, Brian Brobbey doubled the lead in the 7th minute with a clinical finish. The match is currently in the 27th minute, and the Netherlands appear firmly in command as they look to secure the top spot in Group F.

Viktor Gyökeres does what he does best at the top end of the pitch on the right-hand side, cushioning a high ball and pinning Hiroki Ito with real authority. However, his weakness is exposed just as quickly; the touch gets away from him far too cheaply, allowing Japan to play out of danger without any real pressure.

After a barrage of stoppages, we finally have a shot on goal to discuss. Yukinari Sugawara lets fly from range with his right foot, and although he strikes it well, the effort is ultimately meat and drink for Filip Zetterström, who gathers comfortably in the Sweden goal.

The intensity is high, but the deadlock remains unbroken as we head into the break. Sweden has consistently looked to capitalize on set-piece opportunities, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has been a commanding presence, punching clear under heavy pressure to keep the Swedish attack at bay. While the "Blågult" have pushed hard to finish the opening period on the front foot, they have struggled to turn their possession into a concrete advantage. Japan’s defensive discipline has held firm against the mounting pressure, ensuring both sides head to the dressing rooms with everything still to play for.

GOAL!!! JAPAN TAKE THE LEAD! 1-0! An extraordinary moment of quality has broken the deadlock in Dallas, and it could prove to be a decisive blow for both sides. Ritsu Doan picks up the ball, takes a quick glance, and threads a masterful, disguised through ball into the path of Daizen Maeda. The Celtic forward meets the pass perfectly in his stride, maintaining his composure to slot the ball into the back of the net. The Samurai Blue have struck first!

GOAL!!! SWEDEN RESPOND INSTANTLY! 1-1! What a complete turnaround in this second half—we officially have a thriller on our hands! Anthony Elanga, who has been Sweden’s most dangerous outlet all match, finally makes his mark. He swings a strike toward the goal that catches everyone by surprise—caught somewhere between a cross and a shot—and Zion Suzuki is left completely helpless as the ball flashes through a crowd of bodies. Caught by the late sight of the ball, the keeper can only watch as it cannons into the far-side netting. Sweden are back on level terms, and the contest is wide open!

There is a flurry of activity on the touchline as both managers look to inject fresh legs into this intense encounter. Japan opts for defensive experience as Keito Nakamura makes way for the veteran Yuto Nagatomo. Meanwhile, Sweden refreshes both flanks: Ken Sema enters the fray for the outgoing Stroud, and Gustav Svensson replaces Alexander Bernhardsson as the "Blågult" push for a winner in these closing stages.

The Netherlands are currently leading Tunisia 3-1 in their final Group F match at the Kansas City Stadium. The Dutch opened the scoring early with an Ellyes Skhiri own goal in the 3rd minute, followed quickly by a strike from Brian Brobbey in the 7th minute. Tunisia managed to claw one back through a header by Hazem Mastouri in the 54th minute to make it 2-1, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the Netherlands' two-goal cushion in the 61st minute with a powerful header. The match is currently in the 83rd minute, with the Netherlands looking set to secure a dominant victory to conclude their group stage campaign.

DENIED! Anthony Elanga has been a persistent threat to the Japanese defense all night, and he finds himself in the thick of it inside the box once more. His initial touch sets the ball up perfectly, and he unleashes a clinical strike toward the far corner—but Zion Suzuki reacts brilliantly, throwing out a strong glove to beat the effort away and keep the scoreline level.

SAVED! Sweden are throwing everything at Japan in their desperate push to leapfrog them for second place, and Alexander Isak almost delivers the decisive blow. The striker rises superbly to meet the cross with real conviction, but Zion Suzuki—after a shaky start—redeems himself once more with a brilliant, strong-handed save to turn the effort away. That single touch of the ball could have changed everything for Sweden.

It’s all over in Dallas, as Group C concludes with a 1-1 draw between Japan and Sweden—a result that secures a path to the knockout stages for both nations. The "Samurai Blue," having clinched a place in the Round of 32 by finishing second, were forced to dig deep after a tight, scoreless first half. The deadlock was finally broken by a moment of individual brilliance: intricate interplay between Ritsu Doan and Daizen Maeda produced a superb opener.

Sweden hit back quickly through Anthony Elanga, who added his name to the World Cup scoresheet once again; his left-footed cross-shot caught Zion Suzuki by surprise, restoring parity for the European side. The Japan keeper subsequently redeemed himself with a pair of vital saves to prevent Sweden from leapfrogging them, denying Alexander Isak with a sharp stop from the edge of the box before producing a fine reaction save to parry a late header.

With both sides seemingly content with a result that guarantees progression, they can now shift their focus to the knockouts. Japan face Brazil in a mouthwatering tie in Texas, while Sweden face a massive test against current tournament favorites France. That’s all from us here—thanks for joining, and goodbye.