Japan midfielder believes the team&rsquo;s &lsquo;real battle starts now&rsquo; 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 f<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-vinicius-junior-stunning-performance-helps-brazil-secure-win-against-scotland-23636887" rel="nofollow">ive-time champions Brazil</a>.
&ldquo;I feel like our real battle starts now,&rdquo; said Tanaka, before adding that the return of veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo should hold them in good stead against Carlo Ancelotti&rsquo;s side. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s a wonderful player, and it will be good to battle alongside him moving forward.&rdquo;
Sweden also progressed to the knockouts, finishing in third place with four points, one point less than Japan and three less than Group &lsquo;F&rsquo; toppers Netherlands, who beat Tunisia 3-1.
Meanwhile, Turkey&rsquo;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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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.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Our real battle starts now: Japane's Tanaka

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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

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Our real battle starts now: Tanaka

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