local
Japan and Sweden play to 1-1 draw as both advance to knockout round at the World Cup
By Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took it away six minutes later, helping Sweden to a 1-1 draw Thursday night that sent both teams to the knockout round of the World Cup.Elanga’s impressive left-footed strike from just outside the right corner of the box in the 62nd minute was h...
Key takeaway Elanga has scored only three goals in 49 games for Newcastle, but zero in 32 Premier League matches.
Why this matters in Tomball News
With Japan advancing to the knockout round, Houstonians can look forward to a high-profile matchup at home on Monday as the Japanese team takes on Brazil. This match will undoubtedly draw a large and enthusiastic crowd, given the strong following for international soccer in the Houston area. The fact that Japan has advanced out of the group stage for the third consecutive World Cup is a testament to the team's growing strength and dedication, and local fans will be eager to see how they fare against a powerhouse like Brazil. As the city prepares to host this exciting match, local businesses and residents can expect an influx of visitors and a boost to the local economy. The energy and excitement of the World Cup will be palpable in Houston on Monday, and fans of all ages and backgrounds will come together to cheer on their favorite teams and enjoy the beautiful game.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took it away six minutes later, helping Sweden to a 1-1 draw Thursday night that sent both teams to the knockout round of the World Cup.Elanga’s impressive left-footed strike from just outside the right corner of the box in the 62nd minute was h...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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