◤FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico◢ Daizen Maeda scored as Japan and Sweden settle on a 1-1 draw..

Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in their final Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico at the Texas Stadium on Thursday.

In the first half, Japan created several threats but failed to capitalize. In the second half, Daizen Maeda slotted the ball into an open net, and Elanga scored a stunning long-range wonder-strike. At a crucial moment, Isak's header hit the crossbar. Ultimately, Japan and Sweden drew 1-1. After this round of matches, the Blue Samurai have 5 points, and the Blågult have 4 points, both advancing to the Round of 32s as second and third place finishers in their group.

First Half

In the 21st minute, Junya Ito crossed into the box from the byline at the left wing. Daizen Maeda rose high and attempted with a header in the box, however his effort went just slighltly over the top left corner of the crossbar.

In the 45th minute, Maeda passes horizontally from the left side of the box. Keito Nakamura stopped the ball and turned around, before volleying with his right foot from the left side of the box, but his shot was saved by Jacob Widell Zetterström.

At halftime, the score was 0-0 between Japan and Sweden.

Second Half

Both teams switched sides as the match continued. In the 48th minute, Daichi Kamada passes horizontally from the left wing. Ao Tanaka quickly followed up, got the ball and took a few steps before taking a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot flew high and went out of the pitch.

8 minutes later, Ritsu Doan played a low diagonal through ball  from the right wing. After beating the offside trap, Maeda quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, slid the ball into the bottom right corner of the empty net from the center of the box with his right foot past the outrushing Zetterström. Japan broke the deadlock first to take a 1-0 lead! This was the Celtic striker's 18th goal of the season for his club and country in all competitions! The Blue Samurai also broke their team record for having scored most goals in a World Cup group stage with this goal!

In the 62nd minute, Viktor Gyökeres passes horizontally from the right wing, Anthony Elanga got the ball and took a few steps before taking a left-footed long shot from outside the penalty area which flew straight into the bottom left corner of the net, turning it into a wonder-strike that Suzuki couldn't reach! Sweden equalized against Japan at 1-1! The Newcastle United winger scored in his second consecutive match!

3 minutes later, Sweden launched a quick counter-attack. Yukinari Sugawara made an error while clearing the ball in his own back half, Alexander Isak intercepted the ball and took a few steps before taking a right-footed long shot from just outside of the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Suzuki.

In the 82nd minute, Japan launched a quick counter-attack. Kamata intercepted the ball and crossed into the box from the right wing. Koki Ogawa quickly followed up and upon receiving the pass, half-volleyed with his left foot from the center of the box, but his shot flew high and went out of the pitch.

In the third minute of injury time, Benjamin Nygren passes horizontally from the right wing. Elanga quickly followed up got the ball and took a few steps before volleying with his right foot at a difficult angle from the right side of the box, but his shot was saved by Suzuki.

1 minute later, Sweden won a corner kick opportunity. Yasin Ayari took the corner by crossing it into the box. Isak rose high and attempted with a header in the box, however his effort unfortunately, it hit the crossbar and bounced off! Sweden missed a golden opportunity to defeat Japan with a late goal!

When the final whistle is blown, Japan and Sweden held each other to a 1-1 draw.

Image source: Internet / AFP