27 June,2026 09:12 AM IST | Dallas | Agencies
Japan’s Ao Tanaka battles with Sweden’s Yasin Ayari during their match on Thursday. Pic/AFP
Japan midfielder believes the team's âreal battle starts now' as they secured a place in the round of 32 with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.
A draw was enough for the Blue Samurai to finish in second place, but that sets up a last-32 clash with five-time champions Brazil.
"I feel like our real battle starts now," said Tanaka, before adding that the return of veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo should hold them in good stead against Carlo Ancelotti's side. "He's a wonderful player, and it will be good to battle alongside him moving forward."
Sweden also progressed to the knockouts, finishing in third place with four points, one point less than Japan and three less than Group âF' toppers Netherlands, who beat Tunisia 3-1.
Meanwhile, Turkey's Kaan Ayhan scored with the final kick of the match to help his side beat co-hosts USA 3-2. However, the match was effectively a dead rubber since Turkey had already been eliminated.
Elsewhere, Australia and Paraguay played out a goalless draw as the former advanced to the next round, while the latter await results from other groups to know their fate.
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