Japan sets Brazil clash in Round of 32
KATHMANDU: Japan will face five-time world champions Brazil in the Round of 32 on June 29 in Houston after securing qualification from Group ‘F’ of the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Sweden in Dallas on Friday.
The result ensured that both Japan and Sweden advanced to the knockout stage, with Japan finishing second in the group, while Sweden progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
Japan’s disciplined display earns qualification
Japan national football team took the lead in the 56th minute through a well-worked team move. The attack was initiated by Yuki Sugawara, followed by quick combination play between Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda, before Doan delivered a precise assist for Daizen Maeda, who calmly finished the move.
However, Sweden national football team responded just six minutes later. Anthony Elanga produced a stunning equaliser, cutting inside from the left and unleashing a powerful strike with his weaker foot that left Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with no chance.
Sweden nearly snatched a winner in stoppage time, but Suzuki made two crucial saves—first denying Elanga again, and then stopping a header from Alexander Isak off a corner—to preserve the draw and Japan’s unbeaten run in the match.
Tactical strength and team balance
Japan, operating in a structured 3–4–3 system, once again impressed with its organisation across all phases of play. The wing-backs, midfield coordination, and defensive structure remained compact and disciplined, limiting opposition chances throughout the tournament.
Analysts have praised Japan’s collective approach, with no reliance on individual brilliance but instead a highly synchronized team system that has consistently frustrated stronger opponents.
Sweden coach Graham Potter had also highlighted Japan’s collective strength before the match, a point clearly reflected in their opening goal build-up.
Brazil showdown awaits
With qualification confirmed, Japan will now face Brazil national football team in a high-profile Round of 32 clash in Houston on June 29.
Despite Brazil’s traditional dominance on paper, questions remain over their current form. Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil is still searching for its ideal tactical balance, with a 1–1 draw against Morocco national football team raising concerns about consistency and attacking sharpness.
Japan, meanwhile, will enter the match with confidence and strong fan support expected in Texas, where the team has been based during the tournament.
Knockout pathway and tournament outlook
The broader Round of 32 picture places Japan on a challenging but exciting path. A victory over Brazil would set up a Round of 16 encounter against the winner between Ivory Coast national football team and either France national football team or Norway national football team.
Elsewhere in the bracket, Netherlands national football team will face Morocco national football team in their Round of 32 tie, with the winner advancing toward a potential meeting with South Africa or Canada.
Sweden’s route remains uncertain but could include a heavyweight clash against either France or Norway, with a possibility of facing Germany depending on group outcomes.
Elanga’s standout moment
Despite the draw, Sweden winger Anthony Elanga was one of the standout performers of the match. His equaliser—cutting inside and striking with his weaker foot—was widely praised as one of the best goals of the tournament so far.
The pace and directness of Elanga repeatedly troubled Japan’s defence, especially in the first half, where he was fouled multiple times while trying to break through the lines.
