Japan 1–1 Sweden: Elanga's stunning equaliser earns both sides a place in the last 32

Japan and Sweden played out a 1–1 draw at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with both sides advancing from Group F thanks to the result. A largely uneventful first half gave way to an absorbing second period: Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead with a clinical finish before Anthony Elanga produced a stunning solo equaliser to earn Sweden a point and send both teams through to the Round of 32.

Japan broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through what ESPN described as a gorgeous team goal: Ritsu Doan's precise through-ball found Maeda, who composed himself and finished clinically past goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström. The goal was Japan's seventh of the tournament, their highest-ever tally at a World Cup.

Sweden responded immediately. Just six minutes later, Elanga produced a brilliant individual effort — making a smart run beyond Japan's defence before curling the ball from outside the right corner of the box into the bottom far corner past Zion Suzuki. Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages despite late pressure from both teams. Japan finished second in Group F to face Brazil in the next round; Sweden advanced as one of the best third-placed sides. Elanga was named Player of the Match.