As the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup approach the final matches, Japan finds itself in a commanding position, poised for what could be its eighth consecutive appearance on the global stage. The Samurai Blue have demonstrated exceptional dominance in Group C, leading by a remarkable nine points ahead of their nearest rivals.
Japan
In the world of football, extended tenures for national team coaches have become increasingly rare, reflecting the high stakes and pressures associated with international competitions. Among the few exceptions is Hajime Moriyasu, who has been steering Japan’s national football team since 2018. In the current landscape, where only seven of the 32 coaches from the
As the Socceroos gear up for their upcoming AFC World Cup qualifiers against formidable opponents China and Japan, the team faces critical challenges that may shape its future on the international stage. With injuries sidelining key players such as Massimo Luongo and Connor Metcalfe, new players are stepping into pivotal roles. Nashville SC’s Patrick Yazbek
The recent performance by Japan in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was nothing short of dominant. The Samurai Blue opened their Group C campaign with a resounding 7-0 victory over China, showcasing their attacking prowess and technical ability on the field. Led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan’s display
Qatar has been showcasing their dominance in Asian football by winning the past two editions of the AFC Asian Cup. In the second round of qualifiers, they topped Group A with five wins and a draw, thanks to star striker Almoez Ali’s seven goals. Their performance has positioned them as strong contenders for the 2026
Makoto Hasebe, the seasoned Japan international, bade farewell to his illustrious playing career at the end of the previous season. Despite not grabbing headlines like some of his more attacking teammates, such as Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda, Hasebe’s accomplishments remain unmatched. From clinching the Bundesliga title with Wolfsburg in 2009 to captaining Japan in
The recent announcement of Japanese international Daichi Kamada signing a two-year contract with Crystal Palace has sparked a lot of discussion about the future of Japanese football. This move comes after Kamada’s successful stints in both the Bundesliga and Serie A, showcasing his talent on the European stage. The transfer to the Premier League represents
Crystal Palace has made a significant move in the transfer market by signing Japan international Daichi Kamada to a two-year deal, pending international clearance. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder’s arrival at Selhurst Park marks the next chapter in his career, as he looks to make an impact in the highly competitive Premier League. Kamada’s move to
Japan, a four-time Asian champion, has been drawn into a challenging group for the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, will face familiar foes such as Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia. With Japan’s impressive record of qualifying for the last seven
After an impressive showing in the second round of Asian qualifiers, Qatar has solidified their status as the dominant force in the continent. With back-to-back AFC Asian Cup victories under their belt, Qatar cruised through the qualifiers, securing five wins and a draw to top Group A. Star striker Almoez Ali was in fine form,