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Japan and Sweden secured places in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after battling to a 1-1 draw in their final Group F fixture on Thursday.
The result was enough for both teams to progress, with the Netherlands finishing top of the group following a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia in the other simultaneous match.
Japan finished second in the standings and will now face five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32, while group winners the Netherlands have been paired against Morocco.
After a quiet first half with few clear-cut chances, the contest burst into life after the break when Japan took the lead through Daizen Maeda.
The Celtic forward completed a well-worked team move in the 53rd minute, calmly slotting home after an excellent assist from Ritsu Doan to put the Blue Samurai ahead.
Japan looked on course for all three points, but Sweden responded just six minutes later through Anthony Elanga.
The former Manchester United winger produced a moment of individual brilliance, cutting in from the right before curling a superb strike into the far bottom corner to restore parity.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages as both settled for the point that could guaranteed both teams passage into the knockout rounds.
Japan will now turn their attention to a blockbuster Round of 32 clash against Brazil, while Sweden head into the knockout stage full of confidence after finishing their group in third as one of the best losers.
