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Japan's Ueda ready to fire against Sweden

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

Japan's Ueda ready to fire against Sweden

Monterrey: Ayase Ueda warned Sweden his confidence was sky-high after the red-hot striker scored a classy FIFA World Cup brace to put Japan on the cusp of the knockout rounds.

Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0 on Saturday to join the Netherlands at the top of Group F and all but seal their place in the last 32 with a game to spare.

That game is against Sweden, who sit third after being beaten 5-1 by the Dutch in Houston.

Group F: Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Sun, 21 Jun, 2026

Group F: Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Guadalupe: Japan marked the 1,000th game in the history of the FIFA World Cup with a 4-0 defeat of Tunisia on Saturday to close in on a place in the last 32.

Ayase Ueda scored twice while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito were also on target as Japan - who registered the biggest win ever on the global stage by an Asian side - joined the Netherlands on four points at the top of Group F.

Tunisia, who were beaten 5-1 by Sweden in their first game of the tournament, can no longer hope for a place in the knockout rounds.

Preview - Group F: Tunisia v Japan

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group F: Tunisia v Japan

Guadalupe: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu admitted to being wary of opposite number Herve Renard after the former Saudi Arabia tactician was appointed to lead Tunisia in the nations' Group F clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

Renard took over from Sabri Lamouchi after the Tunisians lost 5-1 in their group opener against Sweden on Sunday as the North African nation attempt to reignite their challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.

Kamada: Japan on the right track

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Kamada: Japan on the right track

Arlington: Daichi Kamada believes Japan’s battling performance in their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their Group F opener in Dallas at the FIFA World Cup 2026 is another sign of the progress that has been made by the Samurai Blue over the last four years.

Kamada scored his side’s all-important 88th minute equaliser on Sunday to salvage a point against the former European champions and ensure a positive start to the campaign for Hajime Moriyasu’s side.

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu admitted he had mixed feelings following Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F tie on Sunday.

While pleased with the resolve shown by his players to salvage a point after twice going behind, the Japanese tactician the target going into the tie was achieving victory.

Group F: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group F: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Arlington: Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser as they twice fought back to rescue a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in front of 69,285 fans in Texas on Sunday to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns.

A match that had bubbled away in the first period sparked into life in the second half.

Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk scored with a fine header, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville's delicious curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour.

The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection.

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.