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 The Pearland
With Japan set to face Brazil in Houston on Monday, Pearland residents can expect a surge in excitement and interest in the World Cup. As the city is part of the larger Houston area, local businesses and fans may see an influx of visitors and enthusiasts gathering to watch the match. The fact that Japan is advancing to the knockout round for the third consecutive World Cup will likely draw in crowds to local sports bars and restaurants, providing a boost to the local economy. Additionally, the presence of international teams in the area may also spark interest in soccer among local youth, potentially leading to increased participation in Pearland's own soccer leagues and programs. As the community gears up to host this high-profile match, residents can look forward to a lively and festive atmosphere in the days leading up to the game.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
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 The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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