Download the TribunX news application on the Play Store or App Store to get a new experience… TRIBUN-VIDEO.COM – The Japanese national team confirmed their progress to the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup as runners-up in Group F after drawing 1-1 against Sweden in the final match of the group phase at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Friday (26/6/2026) morning WIB. These results made Samurai Blue collect five points from three matches and finish in second place in Group F. In the round of 32, Japan will face the winner of Group C, Brazil. Meanwhile, Sweden still maintains its chances of qualifying through the eight best third place routes. Viktor Gyokeres and colleagues now have four points, the same number as Ecuador and Bosnia, so they are currently at the top of the standings for the third best team. Apart from that, this result also keeps Japan clean from defeat during the group phase of the 2026 World Cup. This confirms that Japan’s status as a dark horse in the 2026 World Cup is truly real. “The one we are most wary of is clearly Japan, because they have proven their quality by being able to beat elite teams,” said Bayu Ajianto in the Tribunnews Super Tactics YouTube podcast at the Tribunnews Solo Office, Karanganyar, Central Java. “Then if you ask which team has the potential to be a surprise in this group, the answer is clearly Japan.” “Apart from being a dark horse, Japan can be called a surprise team in the world currently that is rising in class,” he explained. From the first minute, both teams immediately played openly. Japan threatened through Daizen Maeda in the sixth minute, but the striker slipped when he was about to enter the penalty box so the opportunity was wasted. Sweden responded through Bernhardsson who took advantage of Anton Saletros’ pass, but his shot was still saved by Zion Suzuki. In the 21st minute, Yasin Ayari tried to send a cross to Alexander Isak, but the ball was too fast and went out of play. Disaster then struck Sweden after defender Isak Hien suffered an injury after trying to block Yukinari Sugawara’s cross. Lucas Bergvall came on to replace him, while Victor Lindelof returned to fill the defense line. Even though both teams pressed each other until five minutes of added time, the first half ended goalless. Entering the second half, the tempo of the match increased. Japan almost took the lead in the 53rd minute through Daichi Kamada, but the goal was disallowed for offside although Jacob Zetterstrom’s save also deserved appreciation. The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute. Ritsu Doan released a mature through ball which was completed calmly by Daizen Maeda to put Japan 1-0 up. However, the lead only lasted six minutes. Anthony Elanga scored the equalizer for Sweden in the 62nd minute with a hard kick from the left after receiving a pass from Viktor Gyokeres. Zion Suzuki was unable to block the ball which rolled into the corner of the goal. After the score changed to 1-1, Sweden continued to increase the pressure. Alexander Isak almost turned things around in the 65th minute, but Suzuki made a brilliant save. Sweden got another golden opportunity through a dead ball situation and headers from Victor Lindelof and Lagerbielke, but they were unable to meet the target. Japan also remained disciplined in maintaining defense until the final whistle sounded. The 1-1 score lasted until the end of the match. These results ensure that Japan will qualify for the round of 32 as runners-up in Group F and will face Brazil who emerged as winners of Group C. On the other hand, Sweden still has to wait for the results from the other groups to confirm their ticket to the knockout phase through the best third place route. With a collection of four points, they are now level with Ecuador and Bosnia in the competition for these tickets. https://www.tribunnews.com/superskor/7846766/hasil-piala-dunia-2026-jepang-pastikan-finis-runner-up-grup-f-tantang-brasil-di-32-besar?page=2 (Tribun-Video.com) VP: RAMA(INTERPRISE)
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