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 Houston / 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 Magnolia News
With Japan advancing to the knockout round, local soccer fans in the Houston area are in for a treat as the team faces off against Brazil on Monday. This high-profile match will undoubtedly draw a large and enthusiastic crowd, providing a significant boost to the local economy. 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 popularity, and their presence in Houston is expected to attract a sizable contingent of Japanese fans. As the city prepares to host this exciting matchup, local businesses and residents can expect an influx of visitors, creating a lively and festive atmosphere in the area. The sold-out crowd of over 70,000 that watched Japan's previous match is a clear indication of the strong interest in soccer in the Houston area, and Monday's match against Brazil is likely to be just as highly anticipated.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia 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 .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / 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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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