Japan

Japan

1st in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC

2023 Fixtures

CHN
1 - 3 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
JPN
IDN
0 - 4 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
JPN
JPN
1 - 1 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
AUS
KSA
0 - 2 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
JPN
BHR
0 - 5 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
JPN
JPN
7 - 0 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
CHN
JPN
5 - 0 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
SYR
MYA
0 - 5 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
JPN
PRK
0 - 3 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
JPN
JPN
1 - 0 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
PRK
IRN
2 - 1 AFC Asian Cup
JPN
BHR
1 - 3 AFC Asian Cup
JPN
JPN
3 - 1 AFC Asian Cup
IDN
IRQ
2 - 1 AFC Asian Cup
JPN
JPN
4 - 2 AFC Asian Cup
VIE
JPN
6 - 1 International Friendly
JOR
JPN
5 - 0 International Friendly
THA
In Ayase Ueda's absence, Kōki Ogawa issues legitimate claim as Japan's alternative spearhead In Ayase Ueda's absence, Kōki Ogawa issues legitimate claim as Japan's alternative spearhead

With Ayase Ueda absent, Kōki Ogawa took his chance to lead the Japan attack with both hands this past week.

Two months on from 7-0 humbling, will China fare any better in rematch with Japan? Two months on from 7-0 humbling, will China fare any better in rematch with Japan?

China will be looking to show how far they've come from the last time they met Japan and suffered a 7-0 humbling.

Japan thrash Indonesia to move closer to World Cup qualification Japan thrash Indonesia to move closer to World Cup qualification

Japan thrashed Indonesia 4-0 in Jakarta on Friday as Hajime Moriyasu's relentless side moved seven points clear at the top of Group C of Asia's 2026 World Cup qualifiers and another step closer to an automatic finals spot.

Indonesia given brutal reminder of gulf in class that still exists as Japan run riot Indonesia given brutal reminder of gulf in class that still exists as Japan run riot

For the first time in the third round of Asian qualifiers, Indonesia were given a reality check by Japan.

Kyoga Nakamura hungry for more after winning first cap for Singapore Kyoga Nakamura hungry for more after winning first cap for Singapore

Kyoga Nakamura was happy to win his first Singapore cap but believes improvement is needed ahead of the ASEAN Championship.

Is Yuma Suzuki destined to be the best Japanese striker to never play for the Samurai Blue? Is Yuma Suzuki destined to be the best Japanese striker to never play for the Samurai Blue?

Yuma Suzuki's record speaks for itself yet he continues to be overlooked by Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Who do Japan turn to in order to fill massive Ayase Ueda void? Who do Japan turn to in order to fill massive Ayase Ueda void?

With Ayase Ueda sidelined, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will have a huge void to fill in the upcoming Asian qualifiers.

Japan legend 'King Kazu' Miura to play 40th season at age 58 Japan legend 'King Kazu' Miura to play 40th season at age 58

Japanese soccer player Kazuyoshi Miura is several generations older than his teammates. His contemporaries retired decades ago. Lionel Messi is 37, and Cristiano Ronaldo is 39 - mere youngsters compared to Miura.

Japan suffer blow with Ayase Ueda out for rest of 2024 Japan suffer blow with Ayase Ueda out for rest of 2024

Japan will be without star striker Ayase Ueda for November's Asian qualifiers against Indonesia and China.

Popovic lays foundations for rest of Socceroos' WCQ campaign Popovic lays foundations for rest of Socceroos' WCQ campaign

Three at the back, two wing-backs bombing forward and the ability to change things at the break. Australia now knows what to expect from Tony Popovic's Socceroos.

WCQ - AFC Table

# TEAM GP GD PTS
1 Japan 6 +20 16
2 Australia 6 +1 7
3 Indonesia 6 -3 6
4 Saudi Arabia 6 -3 6
5 Bahrain 6 -5 6
6 China 6 -10 6
Full Table

Team Leaders

Top Scorers

# Player Goals M A
Koki Ogawa 6 8 1
Takumi Minamin.. 4 10 2
Ritsu Doan 3 10 4

Top Assists

# Player Assists M G
Junya Ito 9 7 1
Takefusa Kubo 5 7 2
Ritsu Doan 4 10 3