Japan advanced to the round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup after beating Tunisia 4-0 on June 22 and drawing 1-1 with Sweden on June 25 in Texas before 70,000 spectators [1, 2, 3, 4]. The draw against Sweden secured Japan second place in Group F with 5 points behind the Netherlands, who finished on top with 7 points [1, 2, 3]. Sweden ended third with 4 points but still qualified for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams [1, 2, 3].

Japan will face five-time world champions Brazil in the next round, a match that holds added significance since Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly last October [1, 2, 3, 4]. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said, "Perhaps because of that match, they will be motivated even more. Yet we do believe that there's a chance for us to win. And then we hope that we will be able to move one step further and get to the next stage" [1].

Moriyasu also spoke about the wider significance of Japan's success. "We are representing Japan, but we're proud to be representing Japan towards the world. And of course, now we are representing Asia. I know that other Asians teams are not as successful. Even if today we couldn't get the win, I would like us to be able to encourage other Asian teams as well, and we would like to be their hope. Also, if we're having good competitions among Asian teams, that can get the level up," he said on June 26 [4].

In Group A, South Korea finished third with 3 points and a -1 goal difference and hopes to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams [1, 2, 3, 4]. Iran also remains in contention to advance [4]. Australia has already qualified for the next stage [1, 2, 3, 4].

China failed to qualify for the World Cup again, having only qualified once before in 2002 [4]. Despite political tensions, Chinese football fans in Shanghai celebrated Japan’s World Cup success [1, 2, 3, 4].

Daizen Maeda scored first against Sweden before Anthony Elanga equalized, resulting in the 1-1 draw that sealed Japan's advancement [1, 2, 3]. Japan previously drew 2-2 with the Netherlands and defeated Tunisia 4-0 in group play [1, 2, 3].

Japan’s next match against Brazil will be their most challenging test yet in this tournament.