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.

Know your team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a spring in their step and confidence high that they are set for a best ever outing at the global showpiece.

Feisty Japan veteran Nagatomo still hungry

Tokyo: Mellowing with age was never likely for Japan's 39-year-old Yuto Nagatomo, who is as irrepressible as ever as he prepares for his fifth FIFA World Cup - an Asian record.

Know your team: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq's veteran Australian coach Graham Arnold is hoping his team can pull off a shock on their return to the FIFA World Cup stage after a remarkable and gruelling journey to this year's tournament in North America.

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will take it one step at a time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they bid to make history at the global showpiece.

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: With a historic nine Asian sides among the cast of 48 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the continent is set for a fiesta of football.