Japan

Only in his second season as a professional, Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Sōta Nakamura could just be the J.League's next breakout star.

With less than three months until the World Cup begins, Adidas has released a swathe of away shirts that will feature in this summer's tournament.

With 100 days until the 2026 World Cup begins, our reporters ranked the top 15 contenders for this summer's top prize as they see it. Did your national team make the cut? And who do we think will challenge hardest?

Arne Slot has said the "last thing" Liverpool need this season is another injury after midfielder Wataru Endo was stretchered off against Sunderland.

Arne Slot has said midfielder Wataru Endo could be out "for a long time" after picking up a "serious" ankle injury in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Sunderland.

Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, the oldest professional football player in the world, has extended his career another year.

Japan midfielder Takumi Minamino has torn the ACL in his left knee while playing for Monaco and will almost certainly miss the World Cup.

England will step up their preparations for the World Cup with March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Group of Death? Proceed with cautious optimism? Is the group winnable?! Joey Lynch and Gabe Tan break down the draws for AFC heavyweights Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

The draw is complete for the 2026 World Cup! What are the top matches to watch, and how will it all go down? We asked ESPN's writers to break down each group, highlight the storylines and make their predictions.