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Japan to play Brazil in World Cup knockouts after nervy Sweden draw

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Sweden's forward Anthony Elanga and Japan's defender Hiroki Ito fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group F match at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 25, 2026. [Paul ELLIS / AFP]

Japan will face Brazil in a World Cup last-32 clash after drawing 1-1 with Sweden on Thursday to finish runners-up behind the Netherlands in Group F.

In a game in front of 70,000 in Texas that sprang into life in the second half, Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead soon after the break but Anthony Elanga levelled minutes later.

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