×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Kenya's Bold Newspaper
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Japan to play Brazil in World Cup knockouts after nervy Sweden draw

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Sweden's forward Anthony Elanga and Japan's defender Hiroki Ito fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group F match at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 25, 2026. [Paul ELLIS / AFP]

Japan will face Brazil in a World Cup last-32 clash after drawing 1-1 with Sweden on Thursday to finish runners-up behind the Netherlands in Group F.

In a game in front of 70,000 in Texas that sprang into life in the second half, Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead soon after the break but Anthony Elanga levelled minutes later.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By AFP 5 hrs ago
Football
Kane tipped to beat Yamal, Mbappe to Ballon d'Or glory
Sports
Kenya, Uganda use golf to woo tourists ahead of AFCON 2027
By AFP 6 hrs ago
Premier League
Manchester United crisis deepens as Carrick faces axe
Cricket
Cricket Kenya parts ways with CEO, three other directors