Japan 1-1 Sweden — World Cup

World Cup
Japan
1
Final
1
Sweden
Full time

Japan just made Asian World Cup history—and Sweden barely survived to join them.

A tense 1-1 draw in Dallas sent both Japan and Sweden into the Round of 32, but only after a record-breaking night for the Samurai Blue.

Japan needed only a draw to qualify, while Sweden was fighting to avoid an early exit. The breakthrough came in the 56th minute. slotted home a pass from Ritsu Doan to score Japan's seventh goal of this World Cup—a new national record. Sweden hit back just six minutes later. finished a setup from Viktor Gyökeres to level the score. Both teams lost key players to injuries, with Japan's captain and Sweden's Isak Hien forced off early. In stoppage time, nearly won it for Sweden, but his header was tipped onto the crossbar. The draw works for both sides, sending them both to the knockout rounds.

— and get this
Japan broke its national record for most goals scored in a single World Cup tournament, with 's strike marking their seventh goal of the 2026 campaign.
Japan goalkeeper saved the day in the 93rd minute, tipping 's glancing header onto the crossbar to preserve the draw.
Both teams were hit by massive first-half injuries, losing Sweden's defender Isak Hien and Japan's captain within just two minutes of each other.
Viktor Gyökeres failed to register a single shot on target, but he still provided the crucial assist for 's equalizer.