Japan draws with Sweden, prepares for Brazil clash in World Cup round of 16

Japan’s national football team played Sweden to a 1‑1 draw at the Dallas stadium on 25 June (local time), with Maeda Daisuke scoring in the 56th minute. The result secured second place in Group F and guaranteed Japan a spot in the knockout stage for the third consecutive tournament.

The team concluded its training camp in Nashville on 27 June and moved to Houston on 28 June to prepare for the round‑of‑16 match against Brazil on 29 June (30 June Japan time). Coaches highlighted the need for solid defending and cited the experience of players such as Takumi Minamino, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Takumi Kubo as crucial for the upcoming challenge.