Japan are through to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Brazil, after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on Thursday night. Sweden also advanced from the group stage with the same result.

Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock to hand Japan the lead, but Anthony Elanga equalised just six minutes later to ensure the points were shared — and, as it turned out, to send both sides into the next round.

Japan's reward for finishing the group stage is a meeting with Brazil, one of the tournament's most formidable opponents, in the round of 32.