Japan draws 1-1 with Sweden in World Cup, prompting Korean media outcry

In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match on 25 June, Japan and Sweden played to a 1‑1 draw. Maeda Daizen gave Japan the lead in the 56th minute, but Sweden equalised shortly after through Anton Elanda.

The result left the Netherlands top of the group with a 3‑1 win over Tunisia, while Sweden moved to second with four points. Japan slipped to second place with three points, and Korea, which had hoped Japan would win by a larger margin, fell behind in the race for the round‑of‑32 spots.

South Korean media outlets reacted angrily, accusing Japan of “suddenly becoming lack‑luster” and suggesting the draw harmed Korea’s chances of advancing. The Korean press described the outcome as a “worst‑case scenario” for their national team.