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Preview - Group F: Netherlands v Japan

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group F: Netherlands v Japan

Arlington: Ko Itakura will lead Japan into their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands in Group F on Sunday after the Ajax Amsterdam defender was handed the captain's armband by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Itakura takes over from Wataru Endo following the Liverpool midfielder's withdrawal from the squad and his subsequent retirement from international football having failed to fully recover from a foot injury.

Injured Endo pulls out, announces international retirement

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Injured Endo pulls out, announces international retirement

Dallas: Japan captain Wataru Endo announced his withdrawal from Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and his international retirement on Thursday.

The midfielder had been in a race against time to get fit following an injury-plagued season with Liverpool.

Asian Stars to watch

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Asian Stars to watch

Kuala Lumpur: Asia will be represented by nine teams at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on Thursday.

It promises to be a thrilling campaign for all of the Asian sides, with each bidding to create history.

As we get set for the action, the-AFC.com highlights a key player for each of the Asian teams at the global showpiece. 

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore. 

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article. 

Endo worry for Japan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Endo worry for Japan

Nashville: Japan captain Wataru Endo is in a race to be fit for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, leaving head coach Hajime Moriyasu "praying" he makes it.

The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at Japan's pre-tournament camp in Mexico.

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Vissel Kobe claim title; Vietnam season ends

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Vissel Kobe claim title; Vietnam season ends

Tokyo: Vissel Kobe were crowned champions of the J1 100 Year Vision League on Saturday despite a 2-0 defeat to Kashima Antlers in the return leg of the final on Saturday.

Champions Cong An Ha Noi FC lost 1-0 to The Cong as the Vietnamese season concluded on Sunday.

AFC Elite Youth Scheme renews Japan FA’s three-star membership

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

AFC Elite Youth Scheme renews Japan FA’s three-star membership

Tokyo: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed the Japan Football Association (JFA)’s three-star membership under the acclaimed AFC Elite Youth Scheme, recognising the nation’s continuous enhancement of its youth development landscape.

Alongside the JFA, a three-star renewal was also recommended for the JFA Academy Fukushima, while FC Imabari Academy became the first professional J.League club academy to achieve a three-star endorsement.

Japan change training sites over conditions

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Japan change training sites over conditions

Monterrey: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad had to twice change their training pitches in Mexico because of the poor condition of the fields, Japanese media said, in a turbulent start to preparations.

Hajime Moriyasu's side initially earmarked a practice pitch belonging to Tigres UANL in Monterrey after landing in Mexico this week.

But the condition was poor after recent bad weather and the team switched to a field reserved for Japan's under-19 team, the Sports Hochi newspaper said.

Focus: Group F

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group F

Paris: Sweden are hoping a strikeforce featuring Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres can fire them through a tricky FIFA World Cup Group F, after they scraped into the tournament without winning a single group game in qualifying.

Graham Potter's side will take on the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in North America, bidding to extend their run of reaching the knockout phase at each of the past four FIFA World Cups they have qualified for.

East Asia Wrap: Vissel in five-star show

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Vissel in five-star show

Tokyo: Yuya Osako netted a hat-trick as Group West winners Vissel Kobe defeated Group East champions Kashima Antlers 5-0 in the first leg of the title playoff on Saturday.

Chengdu Rongcheng continued their march to the Chinese Super League title while Tainan City emerged champions in Chinese Taipei.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the past week's domestic action across East Asia.

Ogawa strike helps Japan edge Iceland

Sun, 31 May, 2026

Ogawa strike helps Japan edge Iceland

Tokyo: Japan scored a late goal through substitute Koki Ogawa to beat Iceland 1-0 in Tokyo on Sunday in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup 26.

Ogawa pounced in the 87th minute to send Japan to the United States, Canada and Mexico on a high in front of over 60,000 fans at the National Stadium.

Tomiyasu ready to repay Japan's faith

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Tomiyasu ready to repay Japan's faith

Tokyo: Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu feels a "responsibility" to perform for Japan at the FIFA World Cup after being called up following long stretches out through injury.

The 27-year-old last played for Japan two years ago and was without a club for six months after leaving Arsenal in July last year to focus on his rehabilitation.