Japan

Japan

1st in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
J1 League goes down to the wire with three teams a chance to become champions on final day J1 League goes down to the wire with three teams a chance to become champions on final day

The J1 League will crown its 2024 champions this weekend with three teams still a chance of winning it.

How close are Japan to Hajime Moriyasu's bold target of winning the FIFA World Cup? How close are Japan to Hajime Moriyasu's bold target of winning the FIFA World Cup?

Hajime Moriyasu has said Japan's goal is not to reach the World Cup but to win it. Are they a realistic chance?

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.

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